Section 600.811 - Election of probate judges; filing nominating petitions and incumbency affidavits of candidacy; term(1) Judges of probate shall be elected in the manner provided in Act No. 116 of the Public Acts of 1954, as amended. For the office of judge of probate in a probate court district created pursuant to law, nominating petitions and incumbency affidavits of candidacy shall be filed with the secretary of state.(2) An elected judge of probate shall have a term of office of 6 years except as otherwise provided by section 803 or when a vacancy is being filled for the balance of an unexpired term.(3) The term of a judge of probate shall commence on January 1 following the date of election. If a vacancy is filled by appointment, the term shall commence in accordance with the order of appointment.Add. 1978, Act 543, Eff. 7/1/1979 .