Probate Judge

The Probate Judge, elected for a four-year term, presides over Groton's Probate Court. The Probate Judge's compensation is set by state statute. He receives a percentage of the filing fees for each case heard after the expenses of running the Court have been deducted. The Probate Court's jurisdiction covers the Town of Groton including the City of Groton, Groton Long Point, Noank, Mystic, and Old Mystic.

Matters within the jurisdiction of the Probate Court include:

• Distribution of property after death
• Guardianship of minor children
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Appointing conservators to act on behalf of mentally or physically incapable persons
• Changes of names
• Deciding custody of remains of deceased persons
• Commitment of mentally ill persons
• Confinement of persons infected with communicable diseases
• Accountings and other matters under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
• Establishment of guardianships for mentally retarded adults
• Consent to marriage of minors
• Waivers of blood test and waiting periods for marriage licenses
• Enforcing Living Wills

The Court covers many areas of the law, and inquiries by the public are always welcome. The Court is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.