In 1666, the colony was divided into the counties of Hartford, Fairfield, New Haven and New London. Four county courts were created to take the place of particular courts, and jurisdiction over the probate of wills and the settlement and distribution of estates of deceased persons was transferred to these courts. Since 1850, probate judges have been elected by the voters of the towns comprising the respective probate districts. Judges do not have to be attorneys, but each judge must be an elector of one of the towns within the probate district.
Judges serve four year terms.
Mandatory retirement age is 70.