The Allen Superior Court Civil Division has appointed local attorney Timothy W. DeGroote to the position of Probate Magistrate.
Allen Superior Court news release:
The Allen Superior Court Civil Division has appointed local attorney Timothy W. DeGroote to the position of Probate Magistrate
Fort Wayne, Indiana (April 13, 2026) — The Allen Superior Court Civil Division has appointed local attorney Timothy W. DeGroote to the position of Probate Magistrate, which is being vacated after forty years of service by Magistrate Phillip Houk. Magistrate Houk is retiring in July of this year.
Attorney DeGroote is a long-time Fort Wayne resident who began his work in the law as a law clerk to the Hon. Vern Sheldon in the Allen Superior Court in 1995. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 1995. DeGroote and his wife raised their now-adult children in Allen County, where he has had an exemplary career as a litigator in the local law firm, Hunt Suedhoff Kearney (HSK).
Civil Division Judge Craig Bobay stated, “Tim has the experience, judicial temperament, intellect, empathy, and work ethic required of a probate judge.” Judges Andrew Williams and Jason Custer agreed with Judge Bobay, adding: “Although he has huge shoes to fill in following Magistrate Judge Houk, Tim DeGroote will seamlessly continue to provide the high level of service and professionalism that has been the hallmark of the judicial services provided by Mag. Houk in our probate court.”
DeGroote will take the bench on August 3, 2026.
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