§ 33-31-1-3

(a) The court consists of one (1) judge, to be elected by the legal voters of the county for a term of six (6) years:(1) beginning on the first day of January following the election of the judge; and(2) continuing until the successor of the judge is elected and qualified.The election must occur at the time of the general election every six (6) years.(b) The judge shall be commissioned by the governor in the same manner as judges of the circuit court. Vacancies occurring in the office of judge of the probate court shall be filled by appointment by the governor, in the same manner as vacancies in the office of judge of the circuit court.(c) To be eligible to hold office as judge of the court, a person must be a resident of St. Joseph County.[Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-8-2-3.]As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.10.