Families Matter
Anna R. Rapa
for Oceana County Probate Judge
Wisdom * Experience * Integrity
Families Matter
During the most difficult times in life--the death of a loved one, divorce, abuse or neglect of a child--you need a judge who cares. These are the types of cases on the Oceana County Probate Court docket, and Anna Rapa has the wisdom, compassion, and experience to make judgments that are in the best interests of vulnerable people.
Probate Court is typically responsible for wills, estates, trusts, guardianship, and adoption. In Oceana County, the Probate Judge is also assigned the Family Court Docket, including divorce, custody, and parenting time.
EXPERIENCE
2021- Present
Attorney Referee
Oceana County Circuit Court
As referee, I hold hearings related to child support, custody, parenting time, juvenile abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. I determine facts and recommend orders for the Probate Judge to sign.
2020-2021
Planning Commission Member
Golden Township
During my time on the planning commission, we made recommendations to the Golden Township board about things like infrastructure improvements and ORVs in Silver Lake. I greatly enjoyed my time on the commission, but my job as Referee required that I resign from the commission to avoid conflicts of interest.
2008-2021
Private Practice Attorney
Law Office of Anna R. Rapa
During my time in private practice, I gained experience in a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, probate, and family law. I had oral arguments in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and Michigan Court of Appeals. I filed briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, and Michigan Court of Appeals.
2014-2022
Adjunct Professor
2009-2012
Adjunct Professor
2007
Research Attorney
Cornerstone University
I taught Nonprofit Law and Management.
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
I taught Scholarly Writing, Advanced Writing, Research and Writing, and Introduction to Law.
Michigan Court of Appeals
Here, I read entire case files, researched the relevant law, wrote case reports, and prepared proposed opinions for appellate judges.
Legal Publications
Operating a Successful Mental Health Court: Where is Michigan in the Process?, 15 T.M. COOLEY J. PRACTICAL AND CLINICAL L., 201 (2014) (with Lindsay Brewer).
Individual Health Insurance: Sometimes a Bane, Sometimes a Benefit, But Increasingly the Only Option, MICH. B.J., June 2009, at 16.
One Brick Too Many: The Prison Litigation Reform Act as a Barrier to Legitimate Juvenile Lawsuits, 23 T.M. COOLEY L. REV. 263 (2006).
EDUCATION
2007
Juris Doctor
Summa Cum Laude - Class Rank 1/327
2015
Master of Arts
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
I attended Cooley on a full academic scholarship, graduating a semester early. I focused on litigation, and I earned 18 book awards for receiving the highest grade in those classes.
Bethany Center for Graduate Studies
Here I studied culture and intercultural communication. This degree provides a great foundation for communicating with people who are different from me or to help people who are fighting understand the other's point of view.
2000
Bachelor of Arts
Summa Cum Laude
Cornerstone University
I majored in Youth Psychology and minored in Psychology and Biblical Studies. I took every psychology class available except for counseling. This gives me a great foundation to understand people and their needs and motivations.
Endorsements
Absolute neutrality is an important part of the judicial role, so I am not publicising endorsements from residents of Oceana County. But the following people from outside the County are publicly endorsing me for Oceana County Probate Judge:
Judge Curt Benson
17th Circuit Court
Judge Kellen Dotson
61st District Court
Nelson Miller
Former Dean
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, GR campus
Judge Jennifer Faber
61st District Court
Judge Pablo Cortes
62A District Court
Listening Stops
I want to meet you! I want to hear about your values and needs related to the Probate and Family court system. If you see me at one of these places, please stop and introduce yourself--I'd love to hear your story! If you'd rather make an appointment, email me at rapaforjudge@gmail.com.
Over the last several months, I've attended meetings at nearly all the cities, villages, and townships in Oceana County. Now I'm trying to go wherever people are congregated. I'd love to visit your community group, family barbecue--anything! Send me an invite, and if I'm not working or already attending another event, I'd love to come!