The Probate Court for the District of New Milford/Bridgewater is located in New Milford Town Hall on the main floor. If you are coming in the front door on Main Street we are the first door on the right.  Connecticut is divided into 123 probate districts, each of which is presided over by a Judge of Probate who is elected to office for a four-year term.

Probate Courts have jurisdiction over the following matters:

° probating of wills and the administration of decedent's estates;

° administration of testamentary trusts;

° administration of living trusts (limited jurisdiction);

° guardianship of persons with mental retardation;

° guardianship of the person of minor children;

° guardianship of the estate of minor children;

° termination of parental rights;

° finalization of adoptions;

° conservatorship of the person and/or estate of incapable adults;

° granting of name changes

Sometimes the issues presented to the Probate Courts are complex and difficult. Therefore, it is important that you seek competent professional advice so that your legal rights are fully protected. The probate judge, chief clerk and staff will be happy to answer your procedural questions, but they are not allowed to give you specific legal advice or help you fill out the probate forms.

If you are a grandparent or relative caregiver for a child who is 18 years of age or younger, or you are the caregiver of an older adult family member (age 60 years or older), you may be eligible to apply for respite care and supplemental services from the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

A list of frequently asked questions and other information about the Probate Court can be found on the web at   http://www.jud.state.ct.us/probate/Default.htm

A list of probate forms can be found at  http://www.jud2.state.ct.us/webforms/#PROBATE

Probate Court Administrator -- (appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) -- Office at 186 Newington Rd., West Hartford, CT 06110 -- Telephone 860-231-2442 and Fax 860-231-1055  Hon. Paul Knierim;  Chief Counsel, Thomas E. Gaffey.