CANTON -- Michelle Ladouceur stood with her hand on the family bible as she took the oath of office for St. Lawrence County Surrogate’s Court Judge on Friday, June 10.

The Honorable Mary Farley, Supreme Court Justice, administered the oath. Ladouceur was surrounded by family, friends and colleagues. Several former St. Lawrence County judges were also in attendance, including Hons. David Demarest, Eugene Nicandri, Kathleen Rogers and John Richey.

Ladouceur was appointed Surrogate’s Court Judge by unanimous vote of the New York State Senate last week. Her appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of former Surrogate’s Court Judge John Richey pending the election in November.

Ladouceur served as Principal Court Attorney for Surrogate’s Court for the last seven years. Prior to that she was a partner in the law firm of Cappello Linden & Ladouceur in Potsdam for nearly 15 years.

The appointment process was rigorous and included a full vetting of credentials, background check, professional references, character references and a thorough interview with the Third Department Judicial Screening Committee.

Ladouceur’s name was then forwarded by the Committee to Governor Hochul as a highly qualified candidate. Following Governor Hochul’s nomination, Ladouceur appeared before the New York State Senate Judiciary Committee for a confirmation hearing and the nomination was approved by unanimous vote of the full Senate.

“This appointment recognizes how important Surrogate’s Court is and the vital role it plays in our legal system. My combined 22 years of experience both in private practice and as Principal Court Attorney for Surrogate’s Court will be of great benefit to my time on the bench, and I look forward to serving the residents of St. Lawrence County with pride and distinction.”

Surrogate’s Court handles the estate filings for residents of St. Lawrence County who have died, as well as guardianships and adoptions. Ladouceur’s appointment ensures that St. Lawrence County will have a full-time Surrogate Judge to perform the essential work of the Court until the election in the fall. Ladouceur announced her candidacy for the position in February and will appear on the ballot in the June 28 primary and the general election in November.