The towns of Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Simsbury, and Burlington were transitioned into the Litchfield Judicial District as of Oct. 1, 2025.
For residents and business owners in these areas, this isn’t just a paperwork change – it changes where you go for jury duty, where your lawsuits are heard, and which local attorneys are best positioned to represent you.
The change, formalized in Public Act 25-91, was part of a broader legislative effort to rebalance court caseloads and better utilize the state-of-the-art Torrington facility, which opened in 2017.
Which Towns are Affected?
The redistricting impacts the following communities:
- Avon (formerly Hartford JD)
- Burlington (formerly New Britain JD)
- Canton (formerly Hartford JD)
- Farmington (formerly Hartford JD)
- Granby (formerly Hartford JD)
- Simsbury (formerly Hartford JD)
Why Does This Change Matter for Your Case?
If you are involved in a Personal Injury claim, a property dispute, or a Family Law matter, the “venue” (the location of the court) is a critical factor. Here is how the shift to the Litchfield Judicial District impacts you:
1. A Move to the Torrington Courthouse
Rather than traveling into the busy city centers of Hartford or New Britain, all civil and criminal matters for these towns will now be handled at the Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse in Torrington (located at 50 Field Street). This facility is now the primary hub for the expanded district.
2. Jury Duty Changes
If you receive a jury summons, you will no longer be heading to Hartford or New Britain in the case of Burlington. Residents of the six towns listed above will now report to Torrington for jury service. This shift aims to balance the caseloads between the districts and provide more efficient service to the Northwestern corner of the state.
3. The Advantage of Litchfield County Counsel
With these towns now part of our district, hiring a law firm with deep roots in the Litchfield Judicial District is more important than ever.
- Familiarity with Local Rules: Every judicial district has its own local nuances and scheduling preferences.
- Relationships with Court Personnel: Local firms work daily with the clerks, marshals, and judges in Torrington.
- Convenience: For clients in the six towns affected, working with a Litchfield County-based firm often means easier access to counsel who are already traveling to and from the Torrington courthouse daily.
What Happens to Existing Cases?
In general, cases filed before October 1, 2025, may remain in their original districts (Hartford or New Britain) unless a motion to transfer is granted. However, any new civil actions or return of process for these six towns must now be directed to the Litchfield Judicial District. Failing to file in the correct district can lead to procedural delays or even the dismissal of a time-sensitive claim.
Facing a Legal Issue in the Farmington Valley?
As the Litchfield Judicial District grows, Cramer & Anderson is ready to welcome our neighbors from Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Simsbury, and Burlington.
We understand the local landscape and the Torrington court system – and we have an office in historic Litchfield center, roughly 10 minutes from the courthouse.
“The highly experienced attorneys of Cramer & Anderson collectively have been working in the Litchfield Judicial District for many decades and have established important relationships as well as knowing all the key nuances,” said Personal Injury and Litigation Partner Chris Sochacki of the firm’s Litchfield office.
Reach him at (860) 567-8718 or by email at csochacki@cramer-anderson.com.
About Cramer & Anderson
Cramer & Anderson provides sophisticated legal services, close to home, with regional offices in New Milford, Litchfield, Danbury, and Ridgefield. For more information, see the firm’s website or call the flagship office in New Milford at (860) 355-2631.