Probate

Connecticut's Probate Courts have jurisdiction over several different types of matters. We handle nearly all of these matters with the exception of children's matters. 

ADMINISTRATION OF DECEDENTS' ESTATES

A decedent's estate is the proceeding commenced when someone dies with assets that need to be distributed. Connecticut has three version of a decedent's estate. A full estate is necessary whenever the decedent died with assets valued at more than $40,000 or with an interest in real estate that was not owned in survivorship with someone else. An affidavit estate may be appropriate where assets are valued at $40,000 or less and decedent did not have any solely-owned real estate. A tax purposes only estate is utilized when the decedent's only assets are "non-probate" assets which means that every asset either had a benefiary designated (including transfer on death and pay on death designation), or had a joint owner with survivorship rights. 

Regardless of the type of estate that is appropriate, the Probate Court is responsible for the administration of the estate. 

TRUST ADMINISTRATION

Even a well-drafted trust may end up before the Probate Court. The court may become involved when a trustee resigns, dies, becomes incapacitated, or needs to be removed or replaced; when the trust’s terms are unclear or require interpretation; when a trustee seeks court approval of an accounting or instructions on how to proceed; when a trust is created under a will; or when beneficiaries disagree about how a trust is being managed. We assist trustees and beneficiaries with the administration of trusts through the Probate Court, and represents clients in trust disputes, including claims of mismanagement or breach of fiduciary duty. Whatever your role, we can help you understand your options and move the matter forward efficiently.

CONSERVATORSHIPS

Connecticut Probate Courts have jurisdiction over conservator petitions. For more information on conservatorships, please see our elder law page.