CT Patch Candidate Profile: Francisco Cardona For Probate Judge In Darien, New Canaan

DARIEN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 3 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the state and town.

Francisco Cardona is running for probate judge in Probate District 52, which covers Darien and New Canaan.

Candidate's Name:

Francisco Cardona

What office are you seeking?

Judge of Probate for Darien and New Canaan

Age:

45

District:

Probate District No. 52 of Darien and New Canaan

Party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

CardonaforProbate.com

Occupation:

Attorney and Hearing Officer

Family:

Married with three children (Caroline (18), Anna Sofia (11) and Michael (5))

Does anyone in your family work in government?

No

Previous public office:

Currently a Hearing Officer for the Department of Motor Vehicles

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running because I want to help families when they need them most. That’s why I became an attorney and why I started my own firm. For the past four years I’ve served as a Hearing Officer, doing the same core work as a judge: listening to both sides, weighing the evidence, and making fair, impartial decisions. I’ve found that work deeply rewarding, and it’s what led me to seek this office. People come to probate court at some of the hardest moments of their lives, and they deserve a judge who listens and treats them with respect. I’ve already shown I can be that judge, and I’d be honored to serve Darien and New Canaan.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

The most pressing issue is making sure families get timely, efficient decisions from the probate court. People come to probate to settle a loved one’s estate, caring for an aging parent, or protecting a child. Every delay, postponed hearing, or unclear step makes that process longer, more stressful, and more expensive. Families deserve a court that respects their time and gives them a fair decision without unnecessary waiting.

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

I already have experience judging cases. For four years as a Hearing Officer, I’ve heard evidence, weighed both sides, and issued fair, impartial decisions, often in cases where one side has a lawyer and the other does not.

I have experience beyond probate. I’ve practiced in family law and other areas, so I understand the family conflict, financial pressure, and emotional strain behind many probate cases.

I’m independent. My practice isn’t built on estate and probate work that regularly comes before this court. I don’t have any conflicts due to decades of business and professional ties to Darien and New Canaan. The probate court frequently handles emergency matters like hospital commitments or temporary conservatorships which have a short turnaround time. Darien and New Cannan need a probate Judge with the availability to drop everything and tend to these important cases.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Educate our community as to what the Probate Court does. When people hear Probate Court, they might just think of Wills and Trusts, but it is so much more. The Probate Court serves our most vulnerable citizens including seniors experiencing cognitive decline who may require a conservatorship and guardianships for children who would otherwise have no one to care for them.

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

Building my law practice; being appointed as a Hearing Officer; my selection to the Reconsideration Panel of the DMV and receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer award from the Community Fund of Darien for community service and volunteering.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father would often tell me that “everything in life is learned” to remind me that nobody is born an expert, and that your capability is built through time, dedication, mistakes and experience. Life will always present new situations that will force you to once again feel like a new student and his words serve to keep me grounded and humble.

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

Knowing probate law, particularly in the role of a court appointed counsel, is important for a future Probate Judge. But that is not all there is to it. The role requires compassion, understanding and a strong sense of fairness. I know what it’s like to bury a parent and go through the probate process as a son. I also know what it is like to raise young children in our community. It is so important to remember the human side of the job when selecting a probate Judge.

My clients often tell me I treat them like family. As judge, I will bring that same care and respect to every person who comes before the court.

My position is simple: everyone who comes before this court deserves to be heard, treated with respect, and given a timely, fair decision. I’d be honored to have your vote on November 3rd.