Republicans have endorsed attorney Salvatore Ritacco of Pawcatuck as their candidate for probate judge for the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Probate District.

The court serves Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington. Ritacco has run his own law firm for the past 12 years.

In announcing his endorsement, Ritacco said one concern he hopes to address if elected will be to better protect the elderly and their families by having a forum for local attorneys and the public to discuss the probate process and estate planning before it is too late.

“Whether probating an estate, an adoption, a conservatorship or a guardianship, you’re handling some hard topics in some of the most difficult times of someone’s life. As probate judge, you can make the process a little easier,” he said. “It’s a judge’s job to make tough decisions, but you can still be a friend. I intend to put in the time necessary to be that friend to help make the process easier.”

In addition to belonging to numerous legal organizations, Ritacco is a board member of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, a corporate member of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and a chamber delegate to the Stonington Economic Development Commission.

Democrats have endorsed attorney Elizabeth Ladwig Leamon of Stonington as their candidate.