Politics & Government

End of an Era for Ledyard Probate Court

Probate Judge Ellin Grenger Enjoyed Her One Term in Office

Even before Election Day, Ledyard Probate Judge Ellin M. Grenger had begun to pack up her office in the lower level of Town Hall. The decision to consolidate probate court districts from 117 to 54 statewide had long been approved. As of Jan. 5, 2011, the towns of Ledyard, Stonington, North Stonington and Groton all will be served by a single regional probate court in Groton Town Hall.

The extensive probate overhaul was designed to save the state money, and also provide for expanded hours of operation and greater efficiency. For her part, Grenger said she had no interest in challenging her colleague and friend, Groton Probate Judge Frederick Palm Jr., at the polls this November.

And so her first term as Ledyard probate judge will be her last. A note on her door informs residents that the Ledyard Probate Court will be closing permanently, although the exact date is not yet known.

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"This has been coming for a very long time," Grenger said Thursday. The regional probate court in Groton could mean a longer drive for some residents, she said, but the inconvenience is minor compared to most residents of Stonington and North Stonington.

Loved her job

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Grenger has served as Ledyard's probate judge since 2007. She has loved her job. "It's a great job," she said, although the work at times has been challenging. Many of the people who have sought her help were mourning the loss of a loved one. Others came to her on behalf of a relative who was no longer competent.

There have been sensitive cases involving survivors and their children or step-children, especially when intentions were not clearly spelled out in a will. A trained mediator, Grenger said in such cases the law would prevail. "I would just hand them the book," she said, referring to an assortment of printed legal guidelines and booklets kept in her office.

On some days the work was more pleasant. Residents often came to her for passports before leaving on overseas vacations. Her office also was one of the final stops in the adoption process.  Although her role was largely administrative, "it was still a happy occasion," she said.

Grenger's assistant, Clerk Catherine B. Keesee, will move to Groton when the Ledyard office closes. Grenger's professional plans include spending more time with her law practice.

The note on her door asks that any paperwork or payments due the court be submitted as soon as possible, which would allow for a smooth transition. The address for Groton Town Hall, home of the new regional probate court, is 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, 06340.

In the note, Grenger said she and Keesee have considered it a privilege to have served the citizens of Ledyard and Gales Ferry for the past four years.


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