Build Your Connecticut Estate Plan with State-Specific Forms
The Constitution State
Discover FREE Connecticut estate planning forms designed for state requirements. Download Last Will and Testament, Medical Power of Attorney, and Financial Power of Attorney documents, plus explore educational content about Connecticut probate laws.
What Makes Connecticut Different
Like all states, Connecticut recognizes formally executed wills and living trusts as valid estate planning tools. A standard will here requires 2 adult witnesses, and adding a notarized self-proving affidavit can streamline the probate process later.
Financial powers of attorney here require both two witnesses and a notary, making Connecticut one of the stricter states for these documents. Plan to execute yours at a bank or attorney's office where you can satisfy all requirements at once.
The amount a surviving spouse inherits without a will depends on whether your parents are still alive. If they are, your spouse may have to share the estate with them—a result that surprises many people and underscores why having a will matters.
Unlike states with formal independent administration statutes (such as California and Texas), Connecticut doesn't offer a simplified procedure for executors to petition for reduced court oversight. However, executors typically have statutory authority to manage routine estate matters. For families looking to avoid probate court involvement entirely, a revocable living trust remains the most reliable option.
Connecticut Estate Planning Resources
Free estate planning forms, calculators, and checklists for Connecticut. No account required.
Connecticut Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with Connecticut's witness and notarization requirements included.
Connecticut Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. Connecticut's execution requirements included.
Connecticut Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Connecticut's requirements included.
Connecticut Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs. Connecticut's requirements included.
How Much Does Probate Cost in Connecticut?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge in Connecticut?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation in Connecticut?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
Who Inherits in Connecticut?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Connecticut?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in Connecticut?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
Do I Need Probate in Connecticut?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
How Do I Settle an Estate in Connecticut?
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
What Are My Duties as Trustee in Connecticut?
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
What Are My Duties as Executor in Connecticut?
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
What Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost in Connecticut?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
What Does a Will Cost in Connecticut?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need in Connecticut?
Calculate how much life insurance coverage you need. Accounts for income replacement, debt payoff, college funding, and state-specific factors like cost of living and estate taxes.
What Should I Expect When Inheriting in Connecticut?
Find out what to expect when inheriting money, property, or other assets. See timeline estimates, inheritance tax implications, and understand what the executor or trustee is handling behind the scenes.
Does Connecticut have its own estate tax separate from federal taxes?
Yes, Connecticut imposes its own state estate tax in addition to any federal estate taxes that may apply. Connecticut's estate tax threshold may differ from federal levels, which means estates that might not owe federal taxes could still be subject to Connecticut state estate tax. Understanding both tax systems can help families explore planning options that work within Connecticut's specific requirements.
