East Lyme - The historic reorganization of the state's probate court system starts today with the closing of more than half of the courts.
It's a profound change, but Judge Jeffrey McNamara, who is scheduled to be sworn in today as probate judge of the East Lyme district, said he and his staff are ready.
"We've ironed out any issues," said McNamara, who has been judge from the district that was exclusively East Lyme for 12 years. "So far everyone seems on board."
In addition to East Lyme, the district will now serve residents from Montville, Salem and Old Lyme.
The consolidation is the result of a reform bill passed by the General Assembly to make the court system more efficient and cost-effective. The number of probate districts statewide has been reduced from 117 to 54.
Notices of the changes were posted at the town halls this week and last. Offices in some towns are empty, and files and computers have been moved.
via www.theday.com
And today it begins. I, for one, am hopeful that the changes that the legislature made accomplish their goals of creating a self-sustaining court system. I do worry that the fiscal goals will outstrip the personal contact which the old system fostered. I know that at least in our little corner of Connecticut, not much will change at least in terms of the faces of the court (clerks, judges); but as the system matures, I hope the Probate Court system doesn't turn into the impersonal machine that is now the Small Claims court.
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