(a) A Probate judge whose term of office has expired, or who has vacated such office, shall have authority to act in the capacity of Probate judge to conclude causes and proceedings partly or fully heard before the judge as Probate judge as fully and effectively as he or she could if he or she remained in such office. He or she may make, sign, and enter findings, decisions, orders, and decrees in causes or proceedings so pending before him or her as Probate judge, and all such acts so performed by the judge shall have as full force and effect as they would have had if he or she had remained in office.

(b) The jurisdiction conferred by subsection (a) of this section shall not be exercised if the presiding judge of the unit determines that the successor to the Probate judge will assume jurisdiction for all or part of the cases.

(c) A Probate judge who exercises the jurisdiction conferred by subsection (a) of this section shall receive compensation at a rate fixed by the Court Administrator. (Amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. March 29, 1972; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 21, eff. Feb. 1, 2011.)