Oakland County Probate Judge Kathleen A. Ryan, who had served on the bench for more than 13 years, has officially retired from her position and will not be returning to the courtroom. Her departure follows a prolonged controversy that led to her removal from the active docket and an extended paid administrative leave.
Judge Ryan’s exit from the bench came not through a formal Judicial Tenure Commission discipline order, but rather through a “voluntary” retirement agreement with her lawyers after more than a year on paid leave. She had been suspended from her courtroom duties in 2024 following the release of recordings in which she was heard making racist and homophobic remarks.
Underlying Conduct
In September 2024, audio recordings surfaced in which Judge Ryan used racist and derogatory language about Black people and homophobic insults against local public officials. In one recording, she referred to herself as not “systemically racist” but “a new racist.” These tapes were provided by an Oakland County Probate Court official who had recorded repeated inappropriate phone calls.
Following the release of these recordings, the then-Chief Judge of the Probate Court removed Ryan from her docket, and a complaint was filed with the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission. Over the ensuing 15 months, she remained on paid leave while the formal disciplinary process did not advance publicly.
Hearing Panel Findings
No public hearing panel findings have been issued as the Judicial Tenure Commission’s rules generally prohibit comment on investigations unless and until formal charges are filed, and in this instance, no public complaint or published disciplinary opinion has been released.
Rather than undergoing a formal disciplinary proceeding, Judge Ryan retired voluntarily in early January 2026. Her retirement effectively vacates her seat on the Oakland County Probate Court and preserves her entitlement to retirement benefits. A vacancy notice has been posted for her position, which will be filled by appointment from Michigan’s governor.
Why This Matters
Judges hold extraordinary authority over vulnerable populations, particularly in probate courts where matters such as guardianships, conservatorships, and estate administration are decided. Even allegations of bias by a sitting judge can have serious implications for public confidence in the judiciary. Ryan’s remarks, as revealed in recordings, raised questions about her ability to impartially adjudicate matters involving individuals from groups she disparaged.
Her retirement without formal discipline also highlights broader concerns about how judicial misconduct is addressed in Michigan. Because no published disciplinary opinion exists, there is limited transparency about the factual record or the judiciary’s internal handling of the matter. For litigants and attorneys, this creates uncertainty about accountability mechanisms for judges alleged to have engaged in harmful conduct.
Next Steps in Oakland County Probate Court
With Judge Ryan’s retirement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer will consider applicants to fill the vacancy on the Oakland County Probate Court. The eventual appointee will serve until the next election, at which point voters will decide who should hold the seat.
