Republican Primary for Judge of Probate is August 9. But what IS a Judge of Probate?

Editor's note

To the residents of Newtown, Bethel, Redding and Ridgefield: the Republican Primary Election for Judge of Probate will take place on August 9. Current Judge of Probate, Joe Egan, is retiring in October which is the reason for the special election this year. On August 9, 2016, registered Republicans are invited to the polls to select the Republican candidate who will face the Democrat in the General Election in November. 

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What does the Probate Court do?

During the past three months, I have enjoyed meeting and greeting the residents of Newtown, Bethel, Redding and Ridgefield. The question I am most frequently asked by community members is: What does the Probate Court do?

It is understandable that many people do not know what the court does because the court is not generally involved in our daily lives.  The court doesn’t legislate or set public policy.   However, The Probate Court is a dynamic court handling a wide range of matters.   The jurisdiction of the Probate Court is codified in our General Statutes, § 45a-98.  

The General duties of the Court include:

1.       Determine the Validity of Wills;
2.       Oversee and approve the administration of Estates;
3.       Construe Will and Trusts;
4.       Terminate parental rights;
5.       Approve Adoptions;
6.       Approve Name Changes;
7.       Appoint Guardians for minors and disabled persons; and
8.       Appoint Conservators for those individuals who cannot properly care for themselves;

What are the requirements to have a valid Last Will and Testament in Connecticut?

           Not just anyone can execute a Will and have it be valid:

1.       The Testator (person making the Will) must be eighteen (18) years of age; and
2.       The Testator must be of sound mind. 

            Additionally, the formalities of the Will must also be satisfied to make a Valid Will:

1.       The Will must be in writing;
2.       Signed by the testator;
3.       Attested to by two witnesses; and  
4.       Each of the witnesses must sign in the testator's presence.

As there are many states which have different formalities and requirements to execute a valid Will, Connecticut does recognize Wills executed in other states even if the Will does not meet the requirements of Connecticut Law.  Any Will executed in another state, according to that state’s laws, is deemed valid and as if executed in Connecticut.

The ultimate test of a Probate Judge is how to balance the law with compassion for the people who come before the court. For more than 20 years, I have had the honor of representing fiduciaries, parents, children and the infirmed in probate matters through the state.  Many of these cases in the Northern Fairfield County Probate district where I hope to Judge.  I have extensive Probate Law experience which  makes me uniquely qualified to be Judge of Probate and it is a position I would be honored to hold.

Please vote Patrick Walsh Probate Judge  August 9, 2016. If you will be on vacation absentee ballots are available to complete now at your local Town Clerk’s office.       

All registered Republicans are invited to VOTE on August 9!

•          Click here for an Absentee Ballot application.
•          Click here to find out about polling places (you must enter your voter registration info first).
•          If you don’t know if you’re registered to vote, click here.

Follow Patrick Walsh on the campaign trail by liking his Facebook Page Elect Patrick Walsh for Probate Judge here. Visit his website here.