As part of GOOD Morning Wilton‘s coverage of the elections on Nov. 6, and of the campaigns leading up to that day, we have set out some guidelines. Candidates are invited to submit one 800-word op-ed piece before the elections. Larry Cafero is the Republican candidate for Judge of Probate. 

FAQ’s About Probate Court

On Nov. 6 we will go to the polls to elect our state and federal officials. We also elect a Judge to preside over the Norwalk/Wilton Probate Court. Incumbent Judge Anthony DePanfilis, who has served so ably for the past 21 years, is not running for re-election.

Over the several months, while campaigning for the Office of Judge of Probate, I’ve been asked many questions about probate and the Probate Court. What follows are my answers to frequently asked questions.

Q) What is Probate Court?

The Probate Court administers the legal process that allows property of a deceased person to be transferred to their rightful heirs. This process takes place whether the deceased person had a will or died without a will.

The Probate Court also administers and monitors the process of Guardianships. A Guardian is a person appointed by the court to act on behalf of, and care for, a minor when their parents are unable to do so, or are incapacitated, with special needs or mental illness.

If an incapacitated adult has property and can no longer manage their affairs, the Probate Court may appoint a Conservator to act on behalf of the incapacitated person.

The Probate Court also administers adoptions and change of name applications.

Q) What is the role of a Probate Judge?

The Probate Judge administers and oversees the operation of the Probate Court. They appoint Guardians and Conservators and settle disputes arising out of matters involving trusts and estates, as well as disputes involving the disposition of property of a deceased person.

The Probate Judge is an advocate for people who can no longer speak for themselves, whether they passed on or are still living but are incapacitated.

The Judge helps families through some of their most challenging times by fairly, efficiently and compassionately guiding them through the legal process.

Q) When do you need to go to the Probate Court?

When someone dies.

When someone becomes incapable.

If you believe someone has abused a position of trust.

To adopt a child.

To appoint Guardians for those with special needs

To help those with mental illness or substance abuse.

Q) Why do you think you’re best qualified to be Judge of Probate?

EXPERIENCE:  Legal experience, Public Service experience and Life experience.

Legal:  I’ve practiced law for over 35 years, handling a wide variety of matters, including civil and criminal law as well as family law matters, real estate, planning and zoning work, corporate law and trusts and estates. I have received certification as a trained mediator from Quinnipiac Law School as well as certification as an arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association. For the past 25 years I have had the judicial role of Due Process Hearing Officer for the Norwalk Public Schools, presiding over more than 1,000 Due Process hearings.

Public Service:  28 years in elective office representing the people of Norwalk and Wilton, including six years as a member of the Norwalk Board of Education and 22 years as State Representative of the 142nd General Assembly District, which covered the towns of Norwalk, Wilton and New Canaan.

Life:  Husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, I have a large and beautiful family. Family, both yours and mine, is the most important thing in our lives. I am a lifelong Norwalk resident who attended Norwalk public schools, as did all three of our children. I have been married to Barbara for the past 35 years and, with her, have raised three amazing kids. We recently became grandparents to our beautiful grandson. I am blessed to have had my father into his 95th year and still have my amazing mother at 93 years young. I have had the privilege of living and working in Norwalk and Wilton and being the beneficiary of its diversity. I have volunteered for numerous, charitable, religious and educational organizations both in Norwalk and Wilton, including the Side by Side Charter School and, as a coach for the Wilton YMCA Special Olympics Bocce team. Over the 60 years of living a full and active life, I know and understand the diverse people of Norwalk and Wilton and would be honored to serve as their Judge of Probate.

Larry Cafero is a candidate for Judge of Probate of the Norwalk/Wilton Probate Court, and was endorsed by the Republican and Independent Parties.