Patch Candidate Profiles: Phrances Leverton Szewczyk, Probate Judge

MIDDLETOWN/CROMWELL/DURHAM/MIDDLEFIELD, CT — Phrances Leverton Szewczyk is running for judge of probate in District 15.

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Candidate’s Name: Phrances Leverton Szewczyk

What office are you seeking? Judge of Probate

District: Probate District 15 Middletown, Middlefield, Durham and Cromwell

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Middletown

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Cromwell High School, class of 1986, Hartford College for Women (UHART), A.A. class of 1988, Smith College, B.A. class of 1990, Western New England College, School of Law, J.D. class of 1993

Occupation: Attorney at Law since 1994

Family: Husband Philip (Xavier '79); Taressa (21) attends UNE in Biddeford ME studying neuroscience; Alle (19) Army National Guard 68W, EMT at AMR New Haven, Westfield Fire Dept volunteer and studying to be a Paramedic at Middlesex; Luke (19) farmer and logistics engineer and owner of LS Farms, LLC.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? NO

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Middletown Common Council 1995 - 2007

Age: 56

Why are you seeking this office?

To complete the term of our retiring Judge and provide consistency and fair representation while ensuring the needs of members of our community are met with compassion and efficiency

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

Communication is the most important issue that I can address as Judge of Probate. Individuals who require the services of the Probate Court need to be able to access information, forms and explore their options easily. My goal is to ensure that the court is user-friendly, that the community is aware of resources and that adjudication of matters before the court are addressed with fairness, efficiency and clarity.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

The Probate Court does not legislate.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I run unopposed to complete the term, there are no other candidates running for Judge of Probate in Middletown.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been in practice for 30 years with a large part of my practice representation in Probate matters. I have appeared before almost every Probate District and have represented matters including Estates, Commitments, Conservatorships, Guardianships, Trust administration, adoptions, change of name. I have represented matters from Whiting Forensic, CVH and Riverview Children's Hospital (now Solnit) as well as every nursing home in the district. I have represented patients, wards, conservators, guardians, applicants and respondents in just about every matter that the Probate Court has jurisdiction. In my family law practice I focus on mediation as well as litigation. My 30 years of practice has provided me with the experience and ability to adjudicate complex matters with kindness and compassion. I understand that the individuals who come before the Probate Court need assistance and are are often scared and stressed since they are dealing with situations such as a death in the family or a family member losing capacity and needing forced care or supervision. I am confident that I can provide a caring and reasonable venue to address the matters that come before the Probate Court.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It is an honor to be endorsed by Middletown, Middlefield, Cromwell and Durham Democrats for Judge of Probate for the Middletown district. It is a further honor to run unopposed to be the first woman elected as Judge of Probate for the Middletown District. I will endeavor to do my best to provide an open and accessible court and I will continue to be active in the communities that I represent to provide information and assistance as your public servant in this position