January 22, 2009
REP. GODFREY INTRODUCES BILL TO
RESTRUCTURE PROBATE COURT SYSTEM
State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury) has introduced legislation in the General Assembly that will reorganize the state's probate court system with the goal of fixing the court's current deficit and making it run more efficiently.
"The idea was to develop a plan that will considerably save money both in the short and long term while also ensuring that it remains the most user-friendly court and is accessible to those who need it and whose lives it impacts," Godfrey said. "This is a realistic, cost-effective way to make the system better."
"The Connecticut probate judges are committed to serving the people of the State of Connecticut," said the Honorable Dianne E. Yamin, Probate Judge of the District of Danbury and Immediate Past President of the Connecticut Probate Assembly. "They support the plan which includes reasonable and cost effective proposals to improve the probate court system for the benefit of the people it serves."
The proposal, which has been endorsed by an overwhelming majority of the state's probate judges, consists of four main concepts:
Base judges' salaries on the demands of the job rather than on court revenue. This change is expected to save approximately $530,000 in the first year of its implementation.
Transform the courts' financial structure to give more responsibility to probate administration. This will streamline operations, ensure uniformity, reduce costs and improve oversight.
Encourage voluntary court consolidation by creating nine regional planning committees to pursue consolidation plans that reflect regional and community needs.
Establish a probate appellate system to hear certain kinds of appeals. People would have the option of bringing the appeal to a special assignment judge – individuals who have been appointed by the Chief Justice because of their training, skills and experience. These judges would be able to hear appeals with less delay and less expense than appeals sent to Superior Court.
"I do this understanding there will be great debate, but I am confident this proposal can suitably move the system forward," Godfrey remarked.