Honorable Andre D. Dorval, Judge of Probate
3 Full-time employees and 3 Part-time employees
Telephone: 860-584-6230 Fax Number: 860-584-3818
Summary:
The Citizens of Bristol are served in many ways by the Bristol Probate Court. Many people are not aware of all of the functions of the Probate Court. When people consider the role of the Probate Court, the first matter that comes to mind, is the handling of decedent's estate.
We still handle decedent's estates. There is currently a gradual phase-out of the Connecticut Succession taxes going on in the State of Connecticut. It remains to be seen what the effect of the phase-out of the Succession tax will have on the Probate Court system and the handling of the decedent's estate.
In recent years, the Connecticut legislature has passed legislation, which extends the Probate Court's Jurisdiction. As a result, our caseload has shifted away from decedent's estates to family matters. We are best described now as a "Family" Court!
We handle cases involving conservatorships of incapable adults and voluntary conservatorships. We handle commitments of mentally ill people. We handle guardianship proceedings for mentally retarded adults. The Probate Court is involved with the adoptions of children and adults and the termination of parental rights and the perfection of paternity claims along with the emancipation of minors. In addition, we have jurisdiction over the estates of minors, who are entitled to receive sums in excess of $5,000.00. The Probate Court has the authority to legally change names.
We have jurisdiction over Testamentary Trusts. In some circumstances, we have limited jurisdiction over "Living Trusts." We have jurisdiction over "Living Will" disputes. Needless to say, we are a very busy court!
The City of Bristol is fortunate to have its own community court located on the Third Floor of the City Hall Building, 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010. The Court Staff is supervised by the Clerk of the Court, Attorney Anne C. Holihan. Our goal is to continue serving the residents of Bristol in an efficient and courteous manner and to keep them informed as to the services available through the Bristol Probate Court. On a historical note, the records in the Bristol Probate Court go back to 1830.