REP. GIBBONS SUPPORTS HISTORIC PLAN TO CUT NUMBER OF PROBATE COURTS

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 Livvy Floren, “The new probate court map was based on population, location and workload.”
 
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. 
 
“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. Lile Gibbons 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.