5 www.loubar.org October 2026 Balanced. Objective. Reasoned. The mediation standard trusted by family law firms when resolution matters. Bowles and Byer Family Law Mediation provides disciplined, impartial mediation in complex family law matters. Law firms consistently rely on our ability to remain balanced under pressure, understand complex financial and business matters, to hear all sides fully, and to guide parties toward durable, reasoned resolution—without advocacy or escalation. Our approach supports counsel, protects process integrity, and helps families move forward with clarity and dignity. Bowles & Byer Family Law Mediation Judge Jerry Bowles (Ret.) Judge Joan Byer (Ret.) [email protected] 502-558-6142 [email protected] 502-216-9030 Appointments New AOC Leadership Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Debra Hembree Lambert announced leader- ship changes at the Administrative Office of the Courts. Jason McGinnis has been appointed to serve as director of the AOC. McGinnis joined the AOC in 2013 as director of human resources after 15 years in human resources leadership in the private sector. He was appointed deputy director in 2018 and has since worked closely with AOC departments, court officials and employees statewide to support the operations of Kentucky’s unified court system. Margaret Ivie has been appointed to serve as deputy director while continuing as general counsel for the immediate future. Ivie joined the AOC’s Office of General Counsel in 2018 and has served as legal counsel, senior legal counsel and deputy general counsel. Since 2024, she has served as general counsel. The appointments took effect September 9. New U.S. Bankruptcy Judges Chief Judge Michael B. Brennan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sev- enth Circuit announced the appointment of Meredith R. Theisen to a 14-year term as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Indiana. Theisen succeeds U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robyn L. Moberly who retired in June 2024. Theisen will take the oath of office and join the bankruptcy bench in Indianapolis on January 4, 2027 Chief Judge Michael B. Brennan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit announced the appointment of John M. Hauber to a 14-year term as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Indiana. Hauber succeeds U.S. Bankruptcy Judge James M. Carr who will retire in January 2027. Hauber will take the oath of office and join the bankruptcy bench in Indianapolis on January 11, 2027. n New Order Jefferson District Court Chief District Court Judge Jessica A. Moore ordered when District Court appoints a Successor Personal Representative as set forth in KRS 395.160, the Successor Personal Representative shall receive all records under seal, including any inven- tory, settlement and any other documents containing information regarding the assets of value of the decedent’s estate. KRS 395.060; KRS 395.015; KRS 395.250. So ordered on September 11, 2026. n Upcoming Holiday Schedule Jefferson Trial Courts Holiday Schedule The courts will be closed on the following days: Veterans Day Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Thanksgiving Wednesday, November 25, 2026 - Friday, November 27,2026 Christmas and New Years There will be no probate, eviction or small claims dockets from Monday, December 21, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027. Additionally, there will be no probate, eviction or small claims dockets on Wednes- day, November 25, 2026 and no probate, eviction or small claims dockets from Monday, December 21, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027. n Shamir's call for volunteers