The Madison Probate Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of important legal and family matters including the probating of wills, the administration of estates, and the administration of testamentary and living trusts. The court also is responsible for the guardianship of the mentally retarded, minor children and the estates of minor children. Termination of parent's rights, the finalization of adoptions and the granting of name changes also are determined by the Probate Court, among other issues. It also deals with the psychiatric commitment of children and adults, and drug- and alcohol-related commitment of adults.
The Madison-Guilford Probate Court is ocated in Madison's Memorial Town Hall on the town green. The courts are being merged as part of statewide plan to bring number of courts down to 54 from 117.