The powers and duties of a probate court for the city shall be exercised and performed by a judge of probate.
The judge of probate shall be an attorney at law in good standing who has been admitted to the practice of law in this state at least five (5) years prior to his appointment.
The judge of probate shall be a qualified elector of the city.
The council by resolution shall appoint a judge of probate to serve for a term of office concurrent with that of the council and until his successor is appointed and qualified.
Whenever the probate judge is a party, or is interested in any way, or is absent, or unable to perform his duties, or there is a vacancy in such office, his duties shall be performed temporarily by the city solicitor and the fact of such interest, absence, inability or vacancy shall be recorded in the records of the court. Provided, further, that the judge of probate shall not be permitted to practice, or enter his appearance, or to act as attorney in any capacity in the probate court of the City of Woonsocket. (Election of 5-24-77)