Personal endorsements

Endorsed by real people — not politicians.

These are people who know Robert Franco from personal experience. Many have turned to him for help with important legal matters, often during difficult times in their lives. Along the way, they've come to know him not only as their attorney, but as a person.

Their words are meaningful because they come from people who have worked with Robert, trusted him, and gotten to know him over the years. Their personal experiences tell a story that no campaign advertisement can.

“I am truly honored by the support of clients I have represented over the years. Reading their kind words is both humbling and heartwarming.”

— Robert A. Franco
Marilyn M. Young

In her own words

Marilyn M. Young

Robert A. Franco is the perfect person for Richland County Probate Judge!

Personally, Robert has helped our family in various ways and has always been very knowledgeable in all aspects of the law. He is also fair, just, and compassionate. He truly listens with both ears while being patient and understanding.

Robert possesses and reflects all the qualities of what a true Probate Judge should be! Richland County will be a better place with Robert as Probate Judge!

I have already voted for Robert and sincerely encourage others to do so!

Andrea Sigler

In her own words

Andrea Sigler

Last year my parents passed away within three months of each other. It was an incredibly overwhelming and difficult time for me. I was so fortunate to have Robert in my corner as my attorney to guide me through the probate process. He is honest, compassionate, fair, and extremely knowledgeable.

We had several nontypical situations arise with their close deaths and probates. Robert was always quick to find the solutions. One of those situations was my dad passing in the middle of their house sale. Robert was able to find the answers for things to proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible. He found the correct legal solution that even the title attorney was unable to come up with. Instead of possibly losing the sale or delaying it by months, we were able to fully close just two days past the original closing date.

Robert has truly gone above and beyond to help me and I believe he will do the same for others as judge. Richland County couldn't ask for a better Probate Judge!

In her own words

Cindy Carey

Robert Franco deserves to have your vote. He has helped me so much after my husband passed away. I didn’t know who to turn to when dealing with the estate stuff. I had heard great things about him, so I decided to go to him. Thank God I did!

The Franco's handled everything for me. He and his wife are two of the most caring and compassionate people I know. They made everything so much easier for me during a difficult time.

Robert has compassion and great knowledge. He would make a great Probate Judge!

In his own words

Michael Dill

I want to personally express my deepest gratitude for everything Robert Franco and his wife have done for me following the passing of my father, Ed Dill.

Navigating the loss of a parent is never easy, and handling the probate process during such a difficult time can feel overwhelming. Robert's guidance, kindness, and steadfast support were invaluable to me throughout this entire journey.

More than just providing professional legal guidance, Robert and his wife showed genuine compassion, heart, and care. Knowing that I had someone so grounded, sincere, and trustworthy in my corner made an incredible difference, and it is something I will never forget.

I truly appreciate Robert's dedication, generosity, and the wonderful support he provided when I needed it most.

In his own words

Scott Plew

Robert helped me settle my mom's estate after she passed away. He knew his stuff, was easy to talk to, and made the process a lot easier. We trusted him enough that we went back to him for our own estate planning.

Robert has years of experience helping families with probate matters, and I think that experience matters.

He's a good man, he knows what he's doing, and he's got our votes.

Sandie Maynard

In her own words

Sandie Maynard

It is with great confidence that I endorse Mr. Robert Franco as Richland County Probate Judge.

Robert represented me as a Trustee in a very complex litigation, and he did a remarkable job. His knowledge of trusts and the law is superior.

Add to that, his care, compassion, and easy going professionalism far exceeded my expectations. He is definitely a man for the people!

Richland County will be very fortunate to see Robert Franco as Judge of the Probate Court.

Jennifer Ransom

In her own words

Jennifer Ransom

I had the privilege of having Robert Franco represent me through a complicated estate situation, and I could not have asked for a better attorney.

He was knowledgeable, compassionate, professional, and dedicated to helping me navigate a difficult and often overwhelming process.

I wholeheartedly recommend him for Richland County Probate Judge. I am confident he will bring the same integrity, fairness, and commitment to serving.

In her own words

Julie Pfahler

I was very fortunate to be referred to Attorney Robert Franco during a highly stressful real estate lawsuit. From the beginning, Robert was caring and genuinely wanted a just outcome for my case. Throughout the entire experience, I never felt like my case was simply another task to complete. I always felt that he truly cared.

It was an incredibly stressful and difficult time, but Robert made the process easier by providing excellent legal advice and helping me make the decisions that were right for my case, all with kindness, empathy, and compassion.

Attorney Franco is highly knowledgeable, skilled, and competent. He is an exemplary attorney and will make a wonderful judge, not only because of his legal experience and abilities, but because he is a good, kind, and honest man.

Richland County could do no better than to elect Attorney Robert Franco as Richland County Probate Judge.

In her own words

April Friend

Well, I’m seeing all these politicians endorsing!! I want to endorse also! I want to endorse my friend Robert Franco for Probate Judge! I would never talk politics with anyone because I don’t know enough about it to share my opinion. But I do know this man! He is one of the nicest humans, and he cares about the people, and he cares about his job, and he cares about his family, and he cares about the community. He is who you want in this position because he is fair and he is understanding. And I’m tired of seeing politicians endorsing other politicians, so as a non-politician, I’m endorsing him for the people.

In her own words

Joni Robson

Robert was my Business Law professor in college. One of the best instructors I had at NCSC! Not only that, but he handled my son’s trust account for me and let me pay him in oatmeal raisin cookies because I was a student and a single mom. He is one of the most compassionate, intelligent, and kindest people I have ever met and he is the perfect candidate to be a judge.

In his own words

Mark Hawkins

Although I haven't lived in Richland County for nearly ten years, Mansfield will always feel like home. I spent 30 years of my life there, still return regularly, and care deeply about the community and the people who call it home. That's why I wanted to share a few thoughts about someone running for Probate Judge whom I've had the privilege of knowing for more than three decades: my friend, Robert Franco.

Robert and I met in college over 30 years ago, and through the years I've had the pleasure of calling him a true friend, working for him, and working alongside him. I've watched him grow from a college friend into a successful business owner, a respected attorney, and, perhaps most importantly, a man, husband, and father I genuinely admire.

MoreLess of Mark Hawkins’s testimonial

One thing that has never changed is his character.

Robert is someone who treats people not just equally, but with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of who they are or what circumstances they find themselves in. He has a natural compassion about him that I believe is especially important in Probate Court, where people often find themselves facing some of life's most difficult and emotional situations. Having someone who recognizes the people and families behind those circumstances can make all the difference.

And then there's his intelligence and determination. I honestly don't know many people who put more time and energy into understanding something thoroughly than Robert. I've watched him tackle countless challenges over the years, and he simply doesn't settle for good enough. He researches, asks questions, considers every angle, and sees things through. When Robert takes something on, you know he's going to give it his very best.

Over the years, I've gone directly to him with legal questions, from the simple to the complex, and I've always appreciated not only his knowledge of the law, but his commitment to staying informed and getting things right.

But beyond his professional accomplishments, what means the most to me is the person I've come to know over these 30-plus years. I've seen his character firsthand, through different seasons of life, and I'm genuinely grateful to call him my friend.

I believe Robert would make an exceptional Probate Judge, bringing together the intelligence, diligence, integrity, and compassion that such a position deserves.

Regardless of the outcome of this election, I know he'll continue to be a blessing to the people whose lives he touches. He's certainly been one in mine.

Richland County would be fortunate to have him serving on the bench.

Andrea Riggs

In her own words

Andrea Riggs

Robert has represented me in several real estate matters for more than ten years, including issues with tenants and deed preparation. Each one was different, but my experience was always the same. I have never had to wonder where things stood. Robert returns calls quickly and answers every question I have, and that kind of responsiveness is exactly what people deserve from a judge. I never felt rushed, and he always made me feel that my time is valuable.

Over the years, he has helped me understand several real estate laws, and that knowledge has helped me make better decisions in my real estate business. He doesn't just solve the problem in front of him. He takes the time to help you understand it, so you can make good decisions on your own.

Probate court deals with property, wills, and estates, often when families are going through a hard time. Those families need a judge who is knowledgeable, patient, and responsive to the people in front of them. Robert has shown me all of those qualities. Deed preparation and property ownership are at the heart of probate work, and he understands them well. I'm glad to support him and encourage you to do the same.

Debbie Stull

In her own words

Debbie Stull

I can not think of a more deserving person to serve as a judge than Robert Franco. My husband trusted him as his business attorney for many years. Following my husbands passing , I had the opportunity to experience firsthand, not only his legal knowledge but his genuine compassion and concern for others. He helped me tremendously during such a difficult time in my life , and I will always be grateful. Our community would be very fortunate to have a judge with Robert’s wisdom, fairness and concern for others. Robert has my heartfelt support.

Amy Hiner

In her own words

Amy Hiner

Almost every election cycle, we get the opportunity to cast a vote for specific people to represent us. This year, I’ll be voting for Robert Franco, an independent candidate for probate judge.

Why Robert? Everyone should find someone like Robert to be in their lives. Sounds weird, right? Hear me out… Typically, we surround ourselves with like-minded people because it feels good to be able to agree on things. With Robert, I feel like I can discuss a variety of topics with him and he won’t be an echo chamber for me. He takes time to listen to my perspective, asks clarifying questions, and then responds based on his own experience. It’s refreshing to have a friend like that who can challenge our thoughts and ideas in a respectful way.

I’ve learned more about probate court and what all that entails from Robert. It’s working with families who are going through difficult situations. From my experience with Robert, he will treat everyone with kindness and will allow people to present all sides of a matter.

I typically lean towards candidates with a certain letter beside their name. For this one, I am SO glad to see independent beside his. Just drive around the county, and you’ll see that folks from all political parties are supporting him as well. If you want impartial and fair, vote for Robert Franco.

In her own words

Amanda Leclerc

After losing my dad, navigating the probate process from out of county felt overwhelming. I had contacted other attorneys but never felt comfortable until I reached Robert’s office.

From the very first conversation, I was treated with genuine compassion, kindness, and patience. They took the time to explain the entire process, ease my concerns, and reassure me without any pressure to hire them.

What could have been a stressful experience felt like having a trusted friend guiding me through it.

I believe that kind of compassion, integrity, and understanding is exactly what people need in a Probate Judge, especially during some of life's most difficult moments.

In her own words

Judy Fisher

I became acquainted with Robert Franco during one of the most challenging periods of my life. His professionalism, compassion, understanding, and patience were invaluable during that time.

Prior to my father's passing, my family and I believed that all necessary arrangements were in place. His will had been prepared, and his wishes clearly understood; however, we had not anticipated the complexities of the legal and probate processes.

Robert provided clear, thoughtful guidance as I navigated these matters while coping with the sudden loss of my father.

My vote is not based on politics; rather, it reflects my respect for Robert's professionalism, integrity, experience, compassion, and commitment to those he serves.

I remain sincerely grateful to Robert Franco and his wife for their guidance and support as I navigated the probate process during an exceptionally difficult period in my life.

Laurie Selvey

In her own words

Laurie Selvey

Robert Franco is a committed, devoted and dedicated attorney. When my family hired Robert over three years ago, we knew that he would be very focused on our case, and provide advice and guidance in order to get this case solved. He is very respectful, honest and has a strong insight of legal knowledge, which is well communicated to his clients. Any questions that would arise from my family, were answered thoroughly within a timely manner. We felt that our case was a priority, and are very grateful that Robert Franco was recommended to us. He will be an extraordinary probate judge for the people of Richland County!

Mike and Barb Durchik

In their own words

Mike and Barb Durchik

Robert has been our attorney for many years, helping us with everything from routine legal matters to one particularly difficult and stressful situation. We remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how things would work out, but Robert had a way of putting us at ease.

What seemed so complicated to us never seemed to overwhelm him. His knowledge, calm demeanor, and ability to find solutions gave us peace of mind when we needed it most.

More importantly, we always felt that he genuinely cared about us and what we were going through. That is something we have never forgotten.

We know firsthand the kind of person Robert is, and we believe he will make an outstanding Probate Judge. We are proud to support him!

In her own words

Shirley Bisel

Attorney Franco has provided a variety of legal services for my family for over 12 years. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise and provided thorough, thoughtful guidance while maintaining professionalism, respect, patience, and kindness. I highly recommend Robert Franco as an attorney and as our future Probate Judge.

Jackie Rawls

In her own words

Jackie Rawls

This is my humble opinion, but I think Robert would make a great Probate Judge because he listens and genuinely cares about what you have to say. He is very thoughtful, and to me, he is someone you can trust to do the right thing because he thinks before he acts.

Robert Franco for Probate Judge

Get to know Robert.

Learn about his experience and his approach to serving Richland County families.