Many questions can come to mind when estate planning, and how the probate process works is often one of them. Settling a loved one’s estate or planning your own may not be easy, but understanding some of the many legal components can make it simpler. The Connecticut probate process differs from that of other states, so it may be necessary to hire a probate lawyer, especially if you are dealing with a complex estate.
2026 Changes to Probate Laws
One of the main concerns when it comes to an estate is taxation. Connecticut is an estate tax state and not an inheritance tax state. So, in addition to the federal estate tax, Connecticut has its own estate tax to be handled separately.
At the beginning of 2026, Connecticut changed its estate tax exemption to match the federal level at $15 million. This means that any estate valued below $15 million, or $30 million for married couples, is exempt from the Connecticut estate tax. If your estate is valued over that threshold, you will only have to pay taxes on the excess portion.
Types of Probate in Connecticut
Probate is the legal procedure involved in settling a deceased person’s estate. In Connecticut, there are three types of probate:
- Full probate
- Assets owned by an individual party in excess of $40,000, or real estate is involved
- May take 9-12+ months
- Short form probate
- Assets owned by an individual party of less than $40,000, no real estate involved
- Simpler process, may be settled within about 30 days after the paperwork is received
- Tax purpose only (TPO) probate
- Applicable in case of jointly owned assets (ex. survived by spouse)
- Does not require formal administration, only tax filings
- May only take a few months
Probate Process in Connecticut
It can be hard to understand and manage all the factors of the probate process, such as how to settle debts and divide assets, especially if an original will isn’t present, and only 24% of Americans have a will.
There are some key aspects to be familiar with to successfully understand the probate process in Connecticut.
Petition/Administration or Probate of Will
The first step will be to prepare and file the Petition/Administration or Probate of Will. This must be done within a certain time frame after the death. Then, the probate court may schedule a hearing, officially opening the estate.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
After a fiduciary is appointed by the court, they will be responsible for controlling the assets in the estate. This includes bank accounts, stock certificates, bills, and any properties. They must also prepare and file an inventory of the decedent’s possessions, such as bank accounts, real estate, furnishings and artwork, vehicles, stocks, and all personal effects.
The fiduciary will also be in charge of paying debts, preparing and filing tax returns, and eventually finalizing the accounts and closing the estate.
Probate Districts
In Connecticut, you must file the probate paperwork with the specific district court where the deceased person died or took residence. Filing in the wrong district can prolong the probate process and create complications.
This process can not only be time-consuming, but also expensive. An experienced probate attorney can help you deal with the intricacies of your probate case, giving you the freedom to grieve peacefully and focus on your family’s well-being.
If you are looking to draft a will, an attorney may be able to advise you on how to keep certain assets in your estate from going through probate after your death. These strategies involve tactics such as making a living trust, assigning right of survivorship, and other solutions for your unique situation.
About Attorney Andrea L. Truppa
Andrea L. Truppa, founding attorney of the Law Office of Andrea L. Truppa, LLC, is dedicated to handling your estate planning and probate cases with the empathy they deserve. As a trial attorney of over 20 years, Ms. Truppa has experience settling cases both in and out of the courtroom. She helps clients with their estate planning in a variety of ways by preparing legal documents such as living wills and powers of attorney.
FAQs
Do All Estates Have to Go Through Probate in CT?
No, not all estates have to go through a full probate process in Connecticut. Probate may only be required if the assets of the deceased exceeded $40,000 or if the deceased owned real estate. Estates that are smaller or jointly owned property can avoid the full probate process because they require less procedure.
What if Someone Dies Without a Will?
If a person dies without a will, also known as dying intestate, the probate court will manage the estate according to intestate succession laws as it goes through the probate process. This can cause issues for families, as the court will generally appoint the executor of the estate to the closest living relative, which may not serve the deceased’s interests.
How Long Does It Take an Estate to Go Through Probate in CT?
It can take larger, more complex estates up to a year to go through probate, while smaller estates may take as little as a few months. How long you have to wait is dependent on the complexity of the estate — more assets mean more filing and more documentation. While it may take a long time, an experienced probate attorney can guide you through the process.
How Much Does a Probate Attorney Cost in CT?
The cost of a probate attorney depends on several factors. While they may charge hourly or flat fees, they may also request a small percentage of the total estate value instead. The larger and more complex the estate settlement, the more a probate attorney may cost. You can discuss service fees during an initial consultation.
Hire a Probate Lawyer — Contact the Law Office of Andrea L. Truppa, LLC
Providing Connecticut residents with compassionate legal counsel, Attorney Andrea L. Truppa is committed to her clients’ satisfaction. For your estate planning and probate case needs, contact the Law Office of Andrea L. Truppa today.
