Gov. Snyder appoints two judges to Van Buren, Bay county probate courts

Gov. Rick Snyder last week announced the appointments of David J. DiStefano to the Van Buren County Probate Court and John Keuvelaar to the Bay County Probate Court. "David and John both have impressive legal career records. I am confident they have developed strong problem-solving skills and a thorough understanding of the challenges facing those served by the probate courts. I thank them for their willingness to serve these communities," Snyder said. DiStefano most recently worked as a general practitioner in Van Buren County where he primarily handled probate work. He served as the Bangor city attorney from 1987 to 2014 and as general counsel for multiple companies providing corporate law counsel. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Van Buren County Economic Development Corp. and is a member of the Restorative Justice Committee in Van Buren County. DiStefano previously served on the Van Buren County Mental Health Board and the Bangor Public School Board. DiStefano is a member of the State Bar Association, the Van Buren County Bar Association and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Probate and ADR section. He has provided mediation services for the circuit court in regard to domestic relations and civil litigation and was the juvenile diversion coordinator. He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Keuvelaar has been an assistant prosecuting attorney for Bay County since 1998, working mostly with the probate court. He has managed dependent neglect cases, mental health and juvenile cases and is assigned to the Family Support Division. He also worked with the Gratiot County prosecuting attorney's office from 1985 to 1987. He is a Bay County Child Abuse Protocol Training instructor and has been a presenter to the Gratiot County Multi-County Sexual Assault Program, the State Court Administrative Office Child Welfare Conference, and the Department of Human Services Family-to-Family Kickoff Community. Keuvelaar is a member of the State Bar Association. He earned a bachelor's degree from Albion College and a degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. DiStefano fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Frank D. Willis and Keuvelaar fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Karen A. Tighe. They both must seek election in November 2016 to fill the remainder of the term. Published: Mon, Mar 23, 2015