Probate Courts have jurisdiction over a wide variety of matters including: Trusts and Estates, Guardians, Conservators, Civil Commitment, Family and children’s’ matters, and other matters. The people of Brookfield elect a Judge of Probate, every four years, when the Governor is elected. Judges of Probate are considered state officials because the Office of Judge of Probate is mentioned specifically in the Connecticut Constitution.
Trusts and Estates
· probating wills and the administration of estates;
· overseeing testamentary and living trusts;
· determining title to real and personal property; and,
· construing the meaning of wills and trusts.
Guardians, Conservators and Civil Commitment
· appointing guardians for persons who are mentally disabled;
· approving sterilizations and placements of persons who are mentally disabled;
· appointing a guardian of the estate or person for a child;
· appointing conservators of the person and the estate for persons with mental disabilities and/or for persons who are incapable of managing or administering their own affairs; and,
· committing those suffering from severe mental disabilities to an
appropriate facility.
Family and Children’s’ Matters
· removing unfit parents as guardians of their children;
· hearing the claims of paternity of unwed fathers;
· terminating the parental rights of parents who cannot fulfill their parental responsibilities; and,
· granting adoptions.
Other Matters
· granting name changes;
· approving or disapproving the marriage of a youth under the age of sixteen years;
· waiving the blood tests required for the issuance of a marriage license; and,
· performing a wedding ceremony |
