Brittany Braunlich named as Monroe County Public Administrator

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the appointment of Brittany Braunlich as the Monroe County Public Administrator.

Swearing-in ceremonies for the county public administrators were conducted electronically. Braunlich was sworn in Friday, July 8.

"I am humbled by the confidence that Attorney General Nessel has in my ability to serve the residents of Monroe County in this capacity as the Monroe County Public Administrator," Braunlich said.

CPAs have oversight responsibilities in deceased estate probate matters where there are no heirs or unknown heirs and no will. State law defines who is considered an heir. If a person dies and has no living relatives and leaves no will, then the CPA is appointed by the county probate judge to be the personal representative of the estate. The CPA ensures all bills are paid and the remaining estate assets are sent to the state treasurer on behalf of the people of the State of Michigan.

Braunlich comes from a family dedicated to law and she is a third generation county public administrator. Both her father, currently the Hon. Mark S. Braunlich, who serves the 38th Circuit Court, and her grandfather, the late First District Judge Paul E. Braunlich, also served as Monroe County Public Administrators.

Braunlich of LaSalle is a Monroe County native. A graduate of Michigan State University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School, she is owner of the Braunlich Law Offices. Her entire career as an attorney has been serving Monroe County and her practice consists of probate and estate matters, domestic relations, real estate and general civil issues.

Braunlich and John Lovinger, named the Hillsdale County Public Administrator, are Nessel’s fourth and fifth county public administrator (CPA) appointments as the state's attorney general.

"Ms. Braunlich and Mr. Lovinger each bring tremendous integrity and experience to a position that requires the greatest regard of trust and care," Nessel said. “They both have a strong commitment to their communities and residents of Michigan will be well represented by their public administrator service.”

CPAs have primary private practice responsibilities outside of their appointment.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Braunlich named to Monroe County legal post