The court may refer any appeal filed under General Statutes § 45a-186, except those matters described in subdivision ( l ) (3) of that statute, to a special assignment probate judge appointed in accordance with General Statutes § 45a-79b who is assigned by the Probate Court Administrator for the purposes of such appeal, except that such appeal shall be heard by the court if any party files a demand for such hearing in writing with the court not later than twenty days after service of the appeal.
Section 19-3A.Reference to Special Assignment Probate Judge
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThe court may send certain probate appeals filed under General Statutes § 45a-186 to a specially assigned probate judge instead of hearing them itself, unless a party demands in writing within twenty days that the court hear the appeal.
Full Text of Section 19-3A
Amendment History
(Adopted June 20, 2011, to take effect Jan. 1, 2012.)
Plain-English Summary
This section lets the court refer an appeal filed under General Statutes § 45a-186 to a special assignment probate judge, appointed under General Statutes § 45a-79b and assigned by the Probate Court Administrator for that appeal. Matters described in subdivision (l)(3) of the statute are excluded from this referral option.
Even where referral is available, the appeal must be heard by the court instead if any party files a written demand for such hearing within twenty days after service of the appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of appeal can go to a special assignment probate judge?
An appeal filed under General Statutes § 45a-186, except for matters described in subdivision (l)(3) of that statute.
Who assigns the special assignment probate judge?
The Probate Court Administrator assigns a special assignment probate judge, appointed under General Statutes § 45a-79b, for purposes of the specific appeal.
Can a party stop the appeal from going to a special assignment probate judge?
Yes. Any party can file a written demand for the court to hear the appeal, as long as it is filed no later than twenty days after service of the appeal.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 19-3A). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: special assignment probate judge CTprobate appeal referral Connecticut45a-186 appeal refereedemand for hearing probate appealPractice Book 19-3A