12/19/10 Probate Court and How it Works
How the Probate Court works can be confusing for th average person. Here’s an informative and useful way to get a better understanding of the “people’s court.”
Anthony DePanfilis, Judge of Probate for the Norwalk-Wilton District was featured on The Healthy Aging Show to discuss what is often a misunderstood part of the court system.
Today, in addition to their traditional role of overseeing decedents’ estates and trusts, the probate courts handle a wide range of sensitive issues affecting children, the elderly, persons with mental retardation, and individuals with psychiatric disabilities. In carrying out their responsibilities, the probate courts strive to protect the rights of individuals while affording those involved in probate matters an approachable and consumer-friendly environment.
LINKS TO USEFUL INFORMATION
Probate Courts in Connecticut
The Probate Court and You
Guidelines for Guardianship of Minors
Probate Court Procedures Involving Persons with Mental Retardation
Guidelines for Administration of Decedents’ Estates
Guidelines for Conservators
Listing of Official Probate Court Forms
Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption Procedures
Understanding Trusts: A Look at Living Trusts and Other Trusts
What are the Probate Court Fees and Costs?
What Broke My Father’s Heart
How putting in a pacemaker wrecked a family’s life. When (the doctor) suggested the pacemaker for the second time, my father was too stroke-damaged to discuss, and perhaps even to weigh, his tradeoffs. The decision fell to my mother — anxious to relieve my father’s pain, exhausted with caregiving, deferential to doctors and no expert on high-tech medicine. She said yes. One of the most important medical decisions of my father’s life was over in minutes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/magazine/20pacemaker-t.html
Planning for Death When You’re Healthy
Death might seem like a surprising topic for a writer whose career has focused on healthy living. But New York Times health columnist Jane Brody is urging people to plan for terminal illness when they are at the peak of health.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/planning-for-death-when-youre-healthy/
Doctors overiding end of life counseling see benefit in current controversy
…physicians who work with patients on end-of-life planning say, that while they are surprised and upset about criticism of the proposal, it has brought needed attention to what they view as a long under-funded and overlooked service.
