Kent County Family Court judge announces retirement

September 25, 2011

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Nanaruth H. Carpenter has announced her plan to retire this fall from the Family Division of Michigan's 17th Circuit Court, where she currently serves as a Kent County Probate Court judge. She was first appointed to this court by Gov. Blanchard in 1990. Prior to that, she had worked for Legal Aid of Western Michigan, two private law firms, and as a sole practitioner dealing with family and divorce law. The 61-year-old judge spoke highly of her time on the court, stating, "I do believe in the family division...You do have the opportunity to contribute to the lives of young people."

Gov. Snyder will appoint a new judge to replace Carpenter for the remainder of her term--until the November 2012 general election. The application period lasts until October 17th, after which, the applicants will be interviewed.