Connecticut's probate courts collect nearly $24 million in revenue for the state each year from liens asserted by the state against estates. This money is not used to support the probate system, but instead is used by the state to provide services to Connecticut residents.

A few facts:

• Connecticut probate courts are completely self-funded by charging fees to residents using the system and by contributions from towns and cities.
• The probate courts give notice of each opened estate so the state can recover much of the financial assistance provided to decedents and beneficiaries or heirs.
• Revenues pay all court expenses including compensation to the judges.
• Judges' salaries have been raised only an average of 3 percent per year over the last six years.
• The court administration fund pays more than $4 million in case expenses for citizens.
• The Connecticut Legislature has taken $15 million from the system to help balance the state's budget.

Probate Judges take pride in their work
and in this successful system - because probate matters.