OFFICIAL DIRECTORY 2012 – 2013 - Taylor County

CIRCUIT COURT
Honorable Ann Knox-Bauer
Circuit Court Judges are elected on a nonpartisan basis for a six-year
term at the April election. The term of office begins in August
following the election. The circuit court has original jurisdiction in
civil and criminal matters. The judge is responsible for estates, wills for
safekeeping, survivorships, guardianships, trusts, mental commitment
hearings, juvenile court referrals and related juvenile matters.
Appointed by the chief judge of the 9th Judicial District, Family Court
Commissioner Bonnie Wachsmuth performs quasi-judicial duties
and directs the family court counseling services, working under the
direction of the circuit court judge. Typical duties are conducting
stipulated divorce hearings; hearings on temporary orders in divorce;
enforcement of physical placement hearings; child support hearings;
revision of support, placement and custody hearings; and injunction
hearings. The FCC also facilitates the appointment of mediators and
the mediation process that is required in any case where placement or
custody of a minor child is contested.
CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT
Margaret M. Gebauer
The Clerk of Circuit Court is elected every four years at a November
election. The responsibilities of the clerk are keeping a record of all
civil and criminal actions filed in court, including all citations issued
for traffic and ordinance violations. The Clerk acts as a custodian of all
trust funds deposited as a result of court action, and collects all fines,
forfeitures and court costs as ordered by the court. The Clerk maintains
minute sheets and exhibits which are entered for each court proceeding
in open court. The jury selection process and records are maintained by
the Clerk of Circuit Court. The office also processes passport
applications, including passport photos.
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