Eric R. Fox
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Eric R. Fox ran for election for judge of the Oceana County Probate Court in Michigan. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Fox completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
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Biography
Eric R. Fox provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 11, 2024:
- Birth date: July 8, 1967
- Birth place: Shelby, Michigan
- High school: Shelby High School
- Bachelor's: Michigan State University, 1990
- J.D.: George Washington University National Law Center, 1994
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Christian
- Profession: Attorney at Law
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Vote Fox for Judge
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
Nonpartisan primary election
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Fox in this election.
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Eric R. Fox completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Fox's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Eric Fox has over 30 years of legal experience serving clients in Oceana County. He is highly experienced in probate, estate planning, and family law, handling more probate estates than any other candidate for Oceana County Probate Court Judge. Eric's practice also includes family court matters like divorce and custody disputes, focusing on equitable outcomes that minimize family disruption. He is a trained mediator, emphasizing fairness, respect, and impartiality.
Born in Shelby, Eric is deeply rooted in Oceana County, a fifth-generation resident with a strong community presence. He has held leadership roles in organizations like the Oceana County Community Foundation and the Oceana County Economic Alliance and is active in volunteer groups, such as the Shelby Optimist Club, where he’s been a member for 30 years.
Eric's attended Michigan State University and obtained his law degree from George Washington University, where he was published in the National Law Review. After graduation, he returned to Oceana County, married his wife Deana Fox, and raised his family.
Eric believes his experiences, both professionally and personally, make him the best candidate to serve as Probate Court Judge, ensuring fairness and dignity for all. - Extensive Legal Experience: Eric Fox has over 30 years of legal practice, focusing on probate, estate planning, and family law in Oceana County. He has handled more probate estates than any other candidate for Probate Court Judge. Additionally, his experience in family court matters, such as divorce and custody disputes, ensures equitable outcomes for families. Eric is also a trained mediator, giving him a balanced approach to resolving conflicts in court.
- Community Roots and Leadership: As a life long resident of Oceana County, Eric has deep ties to the community. He has served in leadership roles with organizations like the Oceana County Community Foundation and the Oceana County Economic Alliance. His long-term commitment to community service includes over 30 years as a volunteer with the Shelby Optimist Club, along with involvement in several local groups, reflecting his dedication to improving Oceana County.
- Commitment to Fairness and Integrity: Eric Fox is committed to ensuring fairness and impartiality in legal proceedings. His extensive legal experience, combined with his training as a mediator, emphasizes treating everyone with dignity and respect. He believes that impartiality and fairness are essential for creating trust in the judicial process, ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected when they come before the court.
As a judicial candidate, I believe:
First, every individual who comes before the court deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am committed to impartial decision-making, ensuring that everyone feels heard and fairly represented.
Second, individuals deserve to have efficient and effective administration of the Court. I will prioritize timely, clear, and efficient case management, ensuring that court proceedings are resolved swiftly while maintaining accuracy and fairness in every decision. I have so many family members, friends and clients whom I look up to for a variety of reasons that it would be impossible to choose just one. Each of them has influenced me in different ways, from personal values to professional guidance, and I deeply appreciate the unique qualities they each bring to my life.
Honesty, integrity, and fairness are essential for a probate court judge due to the sensitive nature of the cases they oversee, such as wills, estates, and guardianships. These cases often arise during times of grief or family tension, making trust and transparency critical.
Honesty builds trust between the judge and the public. Probate judges make decisions that directly impact individuals’ futures, and parties must trust that the judge’s actions are transparent and fair. Any appearance of deception or bias can lead to feelings of injustice, further complicating already difficult situations.
Integrity ensures that a probate judge remains consistent and principled in their decision-making. These judges often handle cases involving significant sums of money, property, or guardianship issues. They must follow the law consistently, applying it impartially regardless of who is involved. Integrity means resisting outside influence, upholding ethical standards, and remaining impartial, fostering confidence in the legal system.
Fairness is especially important, as probate court cases often involve vulnerable individuals. People appearing in court must be given equal opportunity to present their case, and the law must be applied without bias. In probate cases, where families are often emotionally and financially invested, fairness ensures no one is disadvantaged by their circumstances.
A judge who embodies these qualities builds trust, ensures impartiality, and maintains the public’s confidence in the court’s ability to administer justice. These traits are essential for handling sensitive and personal issues with fairness and dignity. Honesty, integrity, fairness, empathy, leadership, and deep community roots—are essential for a Oceana County probate judge. Honesty and integrity ensure trust and impartiality in the courtroom, critical for fair decision-making. Fairness ensures all parties are treated equally under the law, while empathy allows the judge to understand and consider the emotional aspects of sensitive cases. Strong leadership skills are necessary for managing court operations and staff effectively, ensuring efficient administration of justice. Lastly, deep community connections foster a sense of commitment to serving the people, providing insights into the unique needs of the community. These qualities together ensure balanced, just, and compassionate rulings, making someone with these traits an ideal judge.
The core role of a probate court judge involves presiding over legal disputes related to wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and family law matters. the judge must exercise sound judgment to determine the best outcomes, applying the law fairly and impartially. This requires more than listening to litigants; it involves interpreting complex issues and ensuring the best interests of families, heirs, and vulnerable individuals are served.
A probate court judge also has broad responsibilities beyond simply hearing cases. In addition to decision-making, the judge plays a key administrative role. They oversee court operations, manage staff, and ensure the efficient flow of cases, minimizing delays. This includes creating policies, training staff, and delegating tasks to ensure the court functions smoothly. Judges also provide oversight for guardians, conservators, and fiduciaries to ensure compliance with court orders and protect vulnerable individuals.
Ultimately, the probate judge’s role is a blend of legal judgment and leadership, requiring both judicial insight and strong management skills to ensure fair and effective administration of justice. I am not overly concerned about my legacy because my focus is on what I can do in the present to make a difference. What truly matters to me is the impact I have on people's lives while I am here, not how I will be remembered. I believe that actions taken today, with integrity and purpose, are far more important than the pursuit of lasting recognition. My goal is to serve and contribute meaningfully now, rather than be preoccupied with how future generations will view my work.
I remember the television reports from the Iran hostage crisis. Walter Cronkite started each broadcast with the number of days the hostage had been held captive. I was 12 years old when that started and 14 years old when it ended with Ronald Reagan's inauguration.
I grew up in a farming family, and my first jobs were on the family farm and at our receiving station. Starting around age 14, I cleared fields, drove a forklift, and transported produce from the farm to processing plants. I worked there intermittently until I was 22. While in college, I served as a page (an errand person) for the Michigan State Senate and worked with the Michigan State Archives. After graduating from MSU, I spent a year and a half in Washington, D.C., working as a staff assistant for Congressman Guy VanderJagt before beginning law school. In 1994, I started my legal career with a firm in Muskegon, and Deana and I moved into my grandmother's home on Stony Lake.
A conservative judiciary is essential for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring fairness in our legal system. Judges should focus on interpreting the text of the law as it is written, not creating new laws from the bench. By adhering to the original meaning of statutes and constitutional provisions, conservative judges provide stability and predictability in the legal system. Consistency in judicial rulings allows citizens and businesses to plan their actions with confidence, knowing the law will be applied as written.
Empathy is essential for a judge because cases often involve deeply personal and emotional issues. Cases before the probate court frequently arise during times of grief or conflict, and a judge with empathy can better understand the emotional weight these matters carry. Empathy enables the judge to listen carefully, ensuring that all parties feel heard and respected, which is especially important in sensitive family situations.
By recognizing the human element behind legal disputes, an empathetic judge can navigate complex family dynamics with compassion, while still upholding the law. This balance fosters trust in the judicial process and helps the judge reach fair, well-rounded decisions. Empathy also allows the judge to communicate their rulings in a way that acknowledges the emotional impact on those involved, leading to greater acceptance of outcomes and a sense of closure for the parties affected
The Michigan Bar Association does not rate attorneys.
Becoming a judge is the culmination of my lifelong dream to serve the community with honor and integrity. I look forward to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives I genuinely enjoy helping. As a private lawyer, I enjoy working with people to solve their legal problems and I am grateful for the trust placed in me by thousands of clients over my career. In many cases, however, I feel great melancholy over the fact that my services often end with a huge legal fee that replaces one problem with another. I would be very satisfying for me to be able to continue to provide a similar type of help as a public service to my community.
The benefit of prior government employment depends on the role. If the position was bureaucratic with no real responsibilities, it should not be considered a significant factor. However, if the role involved leadership and managing employees, it can demonstrate valuable skills like oversight, decision-making, and team management, which are crucial for positions requiring administrative and leadership capabilities.
The high cost of litigation is a problem in Michigan and across the country. It creates an imbalance in access to justice in favor of the wealthy. Legal fees, court costs, and prolonged proceedings can quickly become unaffordable for many, limiting their ability to pursue or defend cases. Wealthy individuals and corporations can afford legal representation and withstand lengthy litigation, often giving them an unfair advantage. When litigation is expensive, it discourages the average citizen from asserting their legal rights, leading to a system where money, rather than merit, often determines the outcome of disputes.
Michigan's legal system is entering a technology revolution that will transform the administration of justice. With innovations like online case filing, virtual hearings, and digital access to court records, the process will become more efficient, accessible, and transparent. These advancements will reduce delays, cut costs, and make it easier for all citizens to engage with the legal system fairly.
At 57 years old, I am not seeking promotion within the judicial system. I view serving Oceana County as the pinnacle of my legal career. My focus is on dedicating myself fully to this community, where my roots run deep, and I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. My goal is to serve Oceana County with integrity and commitment, rather than seeking advancement beyond this role.
The Michigan Bar Association does not rate attorneys. Commercial rating services, such as AVVO or Martindale-Hubbell may be unfair ways to judge an attorney due to subjectivity in client reviews, which can reflect dissatisfaction unrelated to legal skill. Peer reviews, as used by Martindale-Hubbell, can be limited in participation, affecting accuracy. Additionally, attorneys can enhance visibility through paid services, favoring those who invest in their profiles. Lastly, these platforms may lack context about an attorney’s expertise or the complexity of cases they handle.
I’ve received several offers of endorsements from community leaders, but I’ve chosen not to compile a list. It's important to me to maintain impartiality and ensure that I serve everyone fairly, without the influence of specific endorsements. My focus is on upholding fairness and integrity in all decisions I make.
I feel my reputation in Oceana County is my endorsement.
Financial transparency in any governmental office is vital for maintaining public trust. When constituents can clearly see how funds are managed, they gain confidence that resources are being used responsibly and ethically. Transparency helps prevent corruption, promotes accountability, and ensures that officials are acting in the public's best interest. Open, honest financial reporting is key to building and sustaining faith in the government and its institutions.
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