Governor Paul LePage Accepts Resignation of Judge Allan Woodcock Jr.

Maine’s longest serving Probate Judge, Allan Woodcock Jr., resigned from the bench. Gov. Paul LePage accepted his resignation and is in the process of appointing a new judge to take his seat effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Woodcock Jr. was recognized last month at a ceremony for his 50 years of public service.

“I want to thank Judge Woodcock for his years of service to the people of Penobscot County as Judge of Probate, and wish him the best in his very well-earned retirement,” said Governor LePage.

According to Maine state law probate judges are the only judges to be publicly elected, but since Woodcock is stepping down the Penobscot County Republican Committee will meet on December 20 to decide on a list of replacement candidates. The list will be sent to LePage for consideration.

Woodcock, 92, was first elected to the bench in 1963. He has served in the Maine House of Representatives and Maine Senate.

During his 50 years on the bench, Woodcock has ruled on many cases dealing with adoption, estate, wills, guardianship, and conservatorship.