September 23, 2009
HOUSE APPROVES HISTORIC PLAN TO CUT NUMBER OF PROBATE COURTS
Probate courts to go from 117 to 54
The Connecticut House of Representatives on Wednesday approved legislation that dramatically reduces the number of probate courts in the state by more than half and draws new probate districts in what will be the biggest overhaul of the probate system since it was formed over 300 years ago.
The legislation reduces the number of courts from 117 down to 54, creating new multi-town regional probate districts. Calls for regionalizing the courts were prompted because the system was near-bankrupt and facing large deficits.
"It was time to take this system that was created during colonial times and bring it into the modern era so that it can see a significant reduction in costs and remain self-sustaining," said State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury), who introduced the legislation on the floor of the House and also served as chairman of the Probate Redistricting Commission, which drafted the plan that was the basis of the legislation.
"We developed this new probate map based on population, location and workload," he said.
In addition to handling estates and trusts, probate courts, which are largely funded by fees the courts collect, also handle a wide range of sensitive issues affecting children, the elderly, and the mentally ill. Godfrey said the needs of people today are dramatically different than when the courts were first created.
"It's not just about probating estates anymore. As family life has changed, there are more adoptions, more terminations of parental rights and more expensive guardianship cases," Rep. Godfrey said. "The probate system needed to be modernized to reflect this change in society."
Previously approved legislation requires probate judges for the newly formed districts to be elected in November 2010 with the restructured system beginning on January 5, 2011.
"The probate court system provides a vital function as an alternative to the Superior Court and it is great news that a streamlined version will continue to function," said State Representative Mike Lawlor (D-East Haven), co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
The legislation next moves to the State Senate where it will need approval before going to the governor for her consideration.