Connecticut
Estate law, probate process, and inheritance rules for Connecticut — in plain language.
$2,000–$4,000 + court fees on a typical $500K estate
Affidavit-only procedure under CGS §45a-273
Rate: Flat 12% above threshold
Elective share: surviving spouse can claim 1/3 of net estate
Spouse + children of marriage: spouse takes 100% if all children are of the marriage. Children from other relationships: spouse takes $100K + 1/2 of remainder.
- ✓Must be 18+ and of sound mind
- ✓May be required to post bond unless will waives it
- ✓Must file inventory of estate assets
- ✓Must give notice to creditors per statute
- ⏱Will filed with probate court within 30 days of death (CGS §45a-282)
- ⏱Inventory due within 2 months of appointment
- ⏱Final accounting required before closing
- ⚠CT probate court system runs by 'probate districts' — choose the right one
- ⚠State estate tax 'cliff' — estates marginally over threshold can owe disproportionate tax
- ⚠Outdated beneficiary designations override the will
- ⚠Real estate in another state triggers ancillary probate
- ⚠Joint tenancy with non-spouse can create unintended consequences
- →Revocable trust to avoid CT probate delays for estates over $500K
- →Annual review of beneficiary designations
- →If approaching the $13.61M threshold, talk to a CPA about lifetime gifting
- Connecticut General Statutes §45a (Probate Courts and Procedure)
- CGS §12-391 (Estate tax)
Statute references are for orientation only. Verify current text with your state legislature's website. Not legal advice — consult an attorney licensed in Connecticut.
Plan Your Passing is not a law firm. The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this site or using any tool on it. Estate, probate, tax, and inheritance laws differ by country, state, province, county, and individual circumstance, and they change over time. You are solely responsible for confirming the laws that apply to you. Always consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before making any legal, financial, or tax decision regarding wills, trusts, beneficiaries, probate, real estate transfers, gifts, or end-of-life directives. The author, operators, and affiliates of this site disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on its contents.
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