Richard Garcia received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 and his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan in 1985. He lives in Lansing, Michigan.

Richard Joseph Garcia - Ballotpedia

Richard Garcia received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 and his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1985. 

Richard is a probate court judge for the Ingham County Probate Court. He was appointed to the bench in 2000. Before becoming a judge, he worked as an attorney in private practice. He was an associate at the firms of Howrey & Simon and Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith. He then worked as a partner at the law firm of Adkins & Garcia in Lansing, Michigan. Richard has also taught courses as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, where he taught juvenile law, child abuse and neglect, children and the law, and family violence practice. He has also served as an instructor for the Lansing Police Department Citizen Police Academy.

Hon. Richard J. Garcia Appointed Chief Judge of ... - Legal News

Richard is a probate court judge for the Ingham County Probate Court. Previously, he worked as an attorney in private practice. He was an associate at the firms of Howrey & Simon and Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, as a partner at the law firm of Adkins & Garcia in Lansing, Michigan, and taught courses as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School. He has also served as an instructor for the Lansing Police Department Citizen Police Academy.

Richard is currently a probate court judge for the Ingham County Probate Court. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in February 2000. He was elected to the court in November 2000 and re-elected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. His current term expires in January 2027.

Richard is currently a probate court judge for the Ingham County Probate Court. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in February 2000. He was elected to the court in November 2000 and is serving his 4th term. 

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As a lawyer, worked with Howrey & Simon and with Foster Swift Collins & Smith in Lansing. He was also a Partner with Adkins & Garcia and with Lynch, Gallagher, Lynch & Martineau, Lansing before taking the bench.

- As a lawyer, worked with Howrey & Simon and with Foster Swift Collins & Smith in Lansing. He was also a Partner with Adkins & Garcia and with Lynch, Gallagher, Lynch & Martineau, Lansing before taking the bench.

Legal Experience

As of May 7, 2026, Richard J. Garcia did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Served on the boards of several organizations, including Farm Workers Legal Services, Cristo Rey Community Center, Community Corrections advisory Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Advisory Board, Legal Aid of Central Michigan Board of Directors, East Lansing Housing Commission Vice Chair, Boys and Girls Club of Lansing Board of Directors, National Association of Human Rights Workers, Legal Aid of Central Michigan Board of Directors, Northwest Lansing Healthy Communities Initiative, Gilda's Club of Lansing Board of Directors, Cristo Rey Community Center Pro Bono Legal Services, and Mental Health Commission Children's Work Group.

- Served on the boards of several organizations, including Farm Workers Legal Services, Cristo Rey Community Center, Community Corrections advisory Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Advisory Board, Legal Aid of Central Michigan Board of Directors, East Lansing Housing Commission Vice Chair, Boys and Girls Club of Lansing Board of Directors, National Association of Human Rights Workers, Legal Aid of Central Michigan Board of Directors, Northwest Lansing Healthy Communities Initiative, Gilda's Club of Lansing Board of Directors, Cristo Rey Community Center Pro Bono Legal Services, and Mental Health Commission Children's Work Group.

Community Involvement

Richard J. Garcia

Received a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from the University of Michigan.

As of May 7, 2026, Richard J. Garcia’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Milan Parker

Graham Shirley

- A probate court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s probate court system, which handles legal matters involving estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and certain family and mental health proceedings.
- Michigan probate court judges are elected in nonpartisan elections and may also be appointed to fill vacancies. Judges serve six-year terms and may run for reelection.
- Candidates must be licensed attorneys authorized to practice law in Michigan, admitted to practice for at least five years, qualified electors within the county, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan probate court judge is approximately $183,000 per year.

A judge who handles wills, estates, guardianships, and family protection cases.