State probate courts get first female administrator
Streit-Kefalas to replace Knierim in September
Milford-Orange Probate Judge Beverly Streit-Kefalas has been picked to be the next administrator of the Connecticut Probate Court system, making her the first woman in state history to hold the title.
Streit-Kefalas was selected by Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson to take the position beginning Sept. 3. She will replace the current administrator, Judge Paul Knierim, who is retiring Aug. 31 after 11 years in the role.
“Her commitment is exceeded only by her enthusiasm to help the thousands of people who rely on the probate courts to resolve their most sensitive family matters,” Robinson said in a written statement.
After graduating from the UConn School of Law in 1990, StreitKefalas practiced law in New Haven and Milford, where she accrued over 28 years of experience as an attorney. She took office as judge for the Milford Probate Court in 1999, and held that position until 2010, when she was elected as judge for the newly merged Milford-Orange Probate Court, according to her biography.
“Judge Streit-Kefalas is bright, she’s hardworking and she’s a woman of great integrity. I am absolutely thrilled that she will be succeeding me,” Knierim said. “Her life’s work has been helping children and families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.”
As probate court administrator for Connecticut, Streit-Kefalas is tasked with developing policies, legislation and regulations to modernize the entire system.
Streit-Kefalas said she would to work to ensure justice is accessible to all in the state and the probate system is equipped to serve all populations, including senior citizens, those with disabilities and children.
“We do continue in our traditional role of handling estates,” she said. “Yet, we also have a substantial role in helping vulnerable populations.”
In the past, Streit-Kefalas has also served as the administrative judge of the NewHaven Regional Children’s Probate Court, and was previously the president of the Connecticut Probate Assembly, according to her biography. She remains an active member of several working committees within the assembly.
Connecticut’s 54 probate courts handle cases involving those with mental illness, children, adults with intellectual disability and seniors. The probate courts also deal with matters like estates, the legal affairs of the deceased and some components of family law.
Shannon Larson can be reached at slarson@courant.com.