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# Len C. Zappia

St. Joseph County Probate Court · Referee

## Profile

- Court: St. Joseph County Probate Court
- State: Indiana
- Role: Referee
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic evidence presentation

Scope: statewide

Indiana Rule 2.17 lets a judge authorize electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation, record perpetuation, or judicial administration.

Evidence excerpt: a judge may authorize: (1) the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/judicial-conduct/rule2-17/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### photography recording

Scope: statewide

Indiana courtroom broadcasting, recording, digital streaming, and photography require judicial authorization under Rule 2.17.

Evidence excerpt: No broadcast of a court proceeding is allowed without authorization from the judge.

[Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/judicial-conduct/rule2-17/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote non testimonial proceedings

Scope: statewide

Indiana courts may conduct non-testimonial hearings or conferences remotely on request or on the court's own order.

Evidence excerpt: a court may, upon request or on its own order, conduct the hearing or conference as a remote proceeding

[Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/admin/rule14/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote testimonial proceedings

Scope: statewide

Indiana testimonial proceedings are presumptively in person unless good cause is shown or the parties agree to remote participation.

Evidence excerpt: A court must conduct all testimonial proceedings in person except that a court may conduct the proceedings remotely

[Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/admin/rule14/current.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### camera request process

Scope: statewide

Indiana's public cameras guidance states that local judicial officers have discretion to authorize news-media cameras in non-confidential trial-court proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: Judicial officers around the state have the authority to allow news media into their courtrooms

[Indiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts](https://www.in.gov/courts/cameras/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.in.gov/dA/73fb234765/court-directory.pdf?language_id=1)
- [Official roster](https://www.in.gov/dA/73fb234765/court-directory.pdf?language_id=1)
- [Indiana Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.in.gov/dA/73fb234765/court-directory.pdf?language_id=1)
- [Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17: Prohibiting Broadcasting of Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/judicial-conduct/rule2-17/current.htm)
- [Indiana Administrative Rule 14: Remote Proceedings](https://rules.incourts.gov/Content/admin/rule14/current.htm)
- [Indiana Judicial Branch: Cameras in Indiana Trial Courts](https://www.in.gov/courts/cameras/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Magistrate judge in St. Joseph County, working under the current Democratic probate judge, Jason Cichowicz

### Education


### Additional information

- Len C. Zappia has been practicing law since 1990
- In August 2024, Zappia was involved in a publicized family dispute with his brother, Loris Zappia, who is a Republican candidate for the same probate judge seat.
- Zappia and his brother Mario Zappia were admitted to the bar in 1990, continuing a family tradition of legal practice in St. Joseph County
- handling more than 200 trials and securing high-profile results such as million-dollar personal injury jury verdicts, large asset divorces, and serious criminal jury acquittals.
- Based in South Bend, Indiana, and operates through Len C. Zappia Law, which offers services in personal injury, family law, and criminal defense
- Sitting St. Joseph County, Indiana magistrate judge and an experienced attorney with over 35 years in the legal field, known for work in personal injury, divorce, and criminal law