Jennifer Berkenstock Judge of Probate

Education

Admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1989
Earned Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1989
Honors graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine with B.A. in American History
Studied at Oxford University in England for one year
Completes periodic Continuing Legal Education courses to keep her legal skills current

Professional Experience

10 years of estate planning, probate, elder law, real estate and other general law practice with a firm in Middletown, Connecticut
5 years of estate planning, probate and elder law practice in her own law firm
Handled cases in several area probate courts, including East Hampton, Portland, Middletown, East Haddam, Marlborough, Haddam, Killingworth, Colchester, Manchester, Hebron, East Hartford, Meriden, Glastonbury and Newington.
Appointed by many different Probate Judges to serve in all types of probate cases, including serving as court appointed attorney for clients who could not afford an attorney. Here are some examples:
- Representing children with mental health issues at Elmcrest Psychiatric hospital
- Serving as guardian for mentally retarded individuals
- Serving as conservator for elderly individuals who had no one else to care for them
- Serving as conservator for individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues who needed someone to coordinate their health care, safe living situation and to protect their rights
- Representing minor children in parental rights and guardianship cases
- Helping bereaved families settle the estate of a loved one
- Will contests and negotiating settlements with beneficiaries
- Interpreting complicated trust documents and advising the Probate Judge

Memberships

Other Interests

Volunteer activities in the East Hampton schools, church activities, outdoor activities, reading and spending time with her family.