Candidates running in the Nov. 8 elections were asked by the Westport Journal to provide information for readers about their background and position on several major issues.

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BACKGROUND: I am Patrizia Zucaro. I am running to be the probate judge for Westport and Weston because I believe it is important to protect and serve our community. I am a Westport native and a UConn graduate. In 2012, after a decade in real estate, I became a licensed attorney in both Connecticut and New York. Since then, I have served clients in general business matters, estates, real estate transactions, and as in-house counsel.

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The role of a probate judge is one of compassion, keen observation and adherence with the law.

Probate courts tackle matters that impact child welfare, adoption, conservatorships and estates. I am a trustworthy, caring and understanding person that is fit to perform these responsibilities well.

Probate judges are not only processing documents and following court procedure, but also ensuring the fair and proper division of estates, maintaining a willingness to listen and providing a decision with compassion based on sound jurisprudence and fact.

Probate judges have insight on a daily basis of how the rules provided for in the law affect the individuals that come into their court. One of the most difficult aspects of Probate Court is that self-represented petitioners are unfamiliar with the process. Filing with the Probate Court should be straight-forward. I am dedicated to ensuring petitioners are given the tools necessary to assist them in this process.  

In my role as probate judge I would promote efficiency in probate adjudication, help reduce costs for petitioners and bring awareness to procedures for individuals as they navigate through their petition. I believe we can better serve the community by including additional information online that introduces the process, explains to participants what to expect, and clearly discloses probate court fees.

It is important to me that when a petition is submitted petitioners will be confident that they will be heard, aided through the process and given a fair opportunity. My focus is on the community and the citizens this court serves.