What to Do When Someone Dies in Derby Probate District (PD-41), Connecticut
Probate in Derby Probate District (PD-41) runs through the Probate Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Derby Probate District (PD-41), settling their estate runs through the Probate Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Probate Court
Derby Probate District (PD-41) · PD-41
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Serves Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Woodbridge. Located in Ansonia City Hall.
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Derby Probate District (PD-41)
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Derby Probate District (PD-41), probate runs through the Probate Court at 253 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Ansonia. The court sits in the PD-41.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Connecticut intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Connecticut estates take 12 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-107Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 18 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-107Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to move through this process. The 5 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-356 (formerly § 45-230e) — 150 days from appointment of first fiduciaryVerified Jul 14, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Derby Probate District (PD-41)
What probate costs in Derby Probate District (PD-41), Connecticut comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Probate Court at 253 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Ansonia. The court is part of the PD-41.
Connecticut charges Sliding-scale statutory formula with $150 full-estate minimumConn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-107(b)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the Probate Court (https://efile.ctprobate.gov/). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Connecticut are negotiated, typically 2.2%CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure, Rule 39 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Hayward v. Plant factors). Note: C.G.S. § 45a-294 covers will contest expenses only and is not the fee authority.Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 3.5%CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure, Rule 39 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Hayward v. Plant factors). Note: C.G.S. § 45a-294 covers will contest expenses only and is not the fee authority.Verified Jul 14, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.23%Estimated from the 17 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 3.82%Estimated from the 17 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Connecticut requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%C.G.S. § 45a-289 (bond required); § 45a-169 and § 45a-139 (waiver)Verified Jul 14, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Connecticut typically runs 12 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-107Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 18 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-107Verified Jul 14, 2026View source, and costs accrue throughout. The 5 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-356 (formerly § 45-230e) — 150 days from appointment of first fiduciaryVerified Jul 14, 2026View source creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the Probate Court
If you're handling probate yourself in Derby Probate District (PD-41), Connecticut, you can file at the Probate Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the PD-41.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Derby Probate District (PD-41), families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
- •Original wills or codicils (paper only)
- •Original probate bonds (paper only)
- •Original adoption or parentage records (paper only)
- •Exemplified copies required by statute (paper only)
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Derby Probate District (PD-41) Self-Filing Assessment.
What to Bring
To file at the Probate Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Transferring Property in Derby Probate District (PD-41)
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the Town Clerk.
Recording Office Record
Town Clerk
Derby Probate District (PD-41) · Town Clerk
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $70 |
| Each additional page | $5 |
| Conveyance data reportable to the state (OPM/DRS)RequiredDeeds conveying title to real property for considerationCGS 7-34a(a)(1) adds two dollars to the regular recording fee for any document whose data the town clerk must submit to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management under CGS 10-261b. Town clerks bill a one-page deed with consideration at $72. | $2 |
| Missing grantee mailing address surchargeAny deed, except a mortgage deed, conveying title to real estateCGS 7-34a(a)(1): five dollars in addition to the regular recording fee when the deed does not contain the current mailing address of the grantee. | $5 |
Total first page fee is $70: $10 base (CGS 7-34a(a)(1), unchanged by P.A. 25-168) + $10 land-records fee (CGS 7-34a(d)) + $50 community investment surcharge (CGS 7-34a(e), raised from $40 by P.A. 25-168 effective July 1, 2025). Each additional page is $5. The $50 surcharge is distributed: $2 retained by the town clerk, $3 to municipal general revenue for local capital improvement projects, $45 remitted to the State Treasurer for the Donald E. Williams, Jr. community investment account (CGS 4-66aa). A deed conveying title for consideration carries an extra $2 (CGS 7-34a(a)(1) / 10-261b), so town clerks bill it at $72. Nominee (MERS/DART) documents have a separate higher schedule -- CGS 7-34a(a)(2): $116 first page + $5 per page, $159 flat for a nominee assignment or release; town clerks publish these as $160. Connecticut does NOT authorize TOD deeds or Lady Bird (enhanced life estate) deeds for real property.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 7-34a (as amended by P.A. 25-168, § 412)
Transfer tax
State conveyance tax (CGS 12-494(a)(1), (b)): 0.75% of the consideration; 1.25% on property used for any purpose other than residential use (except unimproved land); for a residential estate with consideration of $800,000 or more, 0.75% on the portion up to $800,000, 1.25% on the portion over $800,000 up to $2,500,000, and 2.25% on the portion over $2,500,000. Tax applies only when consideration equals or exceeds $2,000. State; Municipal conveyance tax: 0.25% in every municipality (CGS 12-494(a)(2)). A targeted investment community (CGS 32-222) or a municipality containing a designated manufacturing plant (CGS 32-75c) may impose an additional tax of up to 0.25% (CGS 12-494(c)) -- e.g. New Britain publishes a combined municipal rate of 0.5%. local. Conveyance tax applies to transfers for consideration of $2,000 or more. CGS 12-498(a) exempts, among others, deeds to which the state or a political subdivision is a party (a)(3), deeds where the consideration is less than $2,000 (a)(10), deeds between spouses (a)(14), and transfers effectuating a mere change of identity or form of ownership with no change in beneficial ownership (a)(17). Since CT does not authorize TOD deeds, the TOD exemption question is moot.
District includes Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Woodbridge. Each town has its own Town Clerk for land records. This entry is for Ansonia Town Clerk (district seat). Located in Ansonia City Hall.
Verified July 13, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Derby Probate District (PD-41)
Connecticut uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Derby Probate District (PD-41) — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Connecticut are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2.2%CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure, Rule 39 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Hayward v. Plant factors). Note: C.G.S. § 45a-294 covers will contest expenses only and is not the fee authority.Verified Jul 14, 2026View source to 3.5%CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure, Rule 39 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Hayward v. Plant factors). Note: C.G.S. § 45a-294 covers will contest expenses only and is not the fee authority.Verified Jul 14, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Derby Probate District (PD-41) firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Probate Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Waterbury & Naugatuck Valley Firms
Law Offices of Eugene A. Skowronski
FirmAnsonia general-practice office serving the Derby Probate District, which covers Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Woodbridge in the lower Naugatuck Valley. Lists probate, estate planning, and estate administration among its practice areas alongside real estate and civil matters. Attorney Eugene A. Skowronski has been licensed in Connecticut since 1975.
Location
200 Division Street, Floor 2Ansonia, CT 06401
Phone
(203) 734-3315
Service Area
1 county
Sheehy & Dillon, Attorneys at Law
FirmAnsonia firm serving the Derby Probate District and the lower Naugatuck Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Woodbridge. Handles post-death probate settlements, wills, powers of attorney, estate and trust planning, guardianship, and Title 19 medical-assistance and nursing-home planning. Serving the Valley since 1980, with a free 30-minute initial consultation.
Location
303 Wakelee Avenue, Suite 1Ansonia, CT 06401
Phone
(203) 734-2591
Established
1980
Service Area
1 county
Burns Thomas, LLC
FirmNaugatuck estate and probate firm serving the Naugatuck Probate District and the lower Naugatuck Valley. Drafts wills and trusts and handles probate and estate administration, with asset-protection planning for families holding real estate or a business.
Location
520 South Main StreetNaugatuck, CT 06770
Phone
(203) 723-9420
Service Area
1 county
Cohen and Thomas
FirmDerby general practice firm serving the Naugatuck Valley including Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Shelton. Probate and estate planning services provided by five attorneys with decades of combined experience. Additional office in Litchfield.
Location
315 Main StreetDerby, CT 06418
Phone
(203) 735-9521
Service Area
1 county
Fisher Law Firm, LLC
FirmSeymour-based firm with two attorneys handling estate planning and probate as a primary practice alongside family law. Located within the Derby Probate District (PD-41), serving clients throughout New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties.
Location
7 Wakeley StreetSeymour, CT 06483
Phone
(203) 828-6191
Established
2010
Service Area
3 counties
Gina M. Petrokaitis, Attorney at Law
Solo PracticeWaterbury solo attorney serving the Waterbury Probate District and the Naugatuck Valley since 1994. Prepares wills and trusts and handles probate, estate administration, and elder-law matters. Se habla espanol.
Location
678 Chase ParkwayWaterbury, CT 06708
Phone
(203) 756-6955
Service Area
2 counties
Heritage Law LLC
FirmSouthbury probate and estate settlement firm founded by Lisa Wnuck, who has practiced in Connecticut since 1987. Together with partner Elizabeth Fisher, the firm assists executors, administrators, and trustees with all aspects of estate and trust administration.
Location
493 Heritage RoadSouthbury, CT 06488
Phone
(203) 586-1445
Service Area
1 county
Knott & Santoro, LLC
FirmFather-and-son estate law practice that has served New Haven County families since 1918. Over 100 years of service with a focus exclusively on estate planning, probate, elder law, and related litigation. Represented the Town of Cheshire for over 35 years.
Location
125 Main StreetCheshire, CT 06410
Phone
(203) 271-3031
Established
1918
Service Area
1 county
Law Office of William K. Gernert
Solo PracticeSouthbury estate and probate office at Pomperaug Office Park, practicing in the region since 1998 and serving Region #22 Probate District (PD-22). Handles wills, trusts, probate and trust administration, powers of attorney, estate tax planning, and Title 19 Medicaid planning. Offers a free consultation.
Location
One Pomperaug Office Park, Suite 302Southbury, CT 06488
Phone
(203) 586-1930
Service Area
1 county
Law Offices of Anthony P. Cipriano Jr. LLC
Solo PracticeCheshire estate and probate office on Highland Avenue serving the Cheshire-Southington Probate District (PD-18) and New Haven County. Drafts wills and trusts and handles probate administration, inventories, creditor claims, and estate settlement. Offers a free initial consultation, with evening and weekend appointments available.
Location
515 Highland AvenueCheshire, CT 06410
Phone
(203) 271-1614
Service Area
1 county
Luby Olson, P.C.
FirmMeriden firm in practice since 1939, serving the Meriden Probate District and central New Haven County. Prepares wills and trusts and handles probate, estate administration, conservatorships, and Title XIX/Medicaid matters for area families.
Location
405 Broad StreetMeriden, CT 06450
Phone
(203) 639-3560
Established
1939
Service Area
1 county
Mahon, Quinn & Mahon
FirmMeriden firm handling probate and estate administration in the Meriden Probate District since 1974. Prepares wills and trusts and settles estates, including accountings and creditor claims. Attorney Brian T. Mahon served as Meriden's Judge of Probate from 2004 to 2018.
Location
636 Broad StreetMeriden, CT 06450
Phone
(203) 238-1010
Established
1974
Service Area
1 county
Secor, Cassidy & McPartland, P.C.
FirmServing Connecticut since 1865 with offices in Waterbury and Southbury. Main office located in a historic building listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Location
41 Church StreetWaterbury, CT 06702
Phone
(203) 757-9261
Established
1865
Service Area
2 counties
Stutsky Law, LLC
Solo PracticeNaugatuck estate and elder law office on Church Street serving the Naugatuck Probate District (PD-21). Prepares wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives, and guides families through probate and estate administration. Also handles real estate matters tied to estate transfers.
Location
180 Church StreetNaugatuck, CT 06770
Phone
(203) 729-5217
Service Area
1 county
Wiley Law, LLC
Solo PracticeShelton estate planning attorney licensed in Connecticut, New York, and Florida. Dedicated estate and business planning practice with the "Thriving Family Plan" program for ongoing counsel.
Location
1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Suite 205Shelton, CT 06484
Phone
(203) 993-6525
Service Area
2 counties
Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, PLLC
FirmShelton firm on Bridgeport Avenue serving the Shelton Probate District and the lower Naugatuck Valley, with a second office in Darien. Handles probate and estate administration, wills, and trusts, and has worked with Connecticut families for more than 35 years. Offers a free consultation.
Location
1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Suite 501Shelton, CT 06484
Phone
(203) 760-0442
Service Area
2 counties
Firms from Neighboring Regions
Allinson & Associates, LLC
Solo PracticeWallingford boutique firm focused primarily on estate planning, elder law, and probate for individuals and families in the greater Wallingford area. Attorney Steven Allinson holds the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review designation.
Location
439 Main StreetWallingford, CT 06492
Phone
(203) 871-3964
Service Area
1 county
Attorney Thomas Drew
Solo PracticeAttorney Thomas Drew in Westport, CT providing estate planning, probate, elder law, and business formation services. CPA background with expertise in estate and business planning.
Location
55 Post Road West, 2nd FloorWestport, CT 06881
Phone
(203) 221-4799
Service Area
5 counties
Berchem Moses PC
FirmTrusted estate planning and probate attorneys in Connecticut with offices in Milford and Westport. Comprehensive trusts and estates services since 1933.
Location
75 Broad StreetMilford, CT 06460
Phone
(203) 783-1200
Established
1933
Service Area
2 counties
Byrne Estate & Elder Law
Solo PracticeMiddletown estate planning and elder law attorney with 35+ years of experience serving Connecticut families, including the Region #14 Probate District towns of Portland, East Hampton, and East Haddam. Member of NAELA with expertise in Medicaid planning and asset protection.
Location
101 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 243Middletown, CT 06457
Phone
(860) 648-9900
Service Area
2 counties
Cohen and Acampora Attorneys at Law LLC
FirmEast Haven firm established in 1937, serving the East Haven and greater New Haven probate districts. Handles estate planning and probate alongside residential and commercial real estate and business matters, useful where an estate includes property to transfer or sell.
Location
8 Frontage RoadEast Haven, CT 06512
Phone
(203) 467-7337
Established
1937
Service Area
1 county
Cohen and Wolf, P.C.
FirmFairfield County firm founded in 1951, with offices in Bridgeport, Westport, and Danbury. Its Trusts & Estates group handles probate and trust administration, contested probate litigation, conservatorships, and guardianships, plus estate and business-succession planning.
Location
1115 Broad StreetBridgeport, CT 06604
Phone
(203) 368-0211
Established
1951
Service Area
2 counties
Daly Perri Arnold & Knierim (formerly Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri)
FirmConnecticut elder care law and estate planning firm (renamed from Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri in January 2026) with five offices statewide. Practice areas include estate and tax planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, special needs trusts, and probate litigation. Attorney Carmine Perri serves on the Probate Court Rules Advisory Committee.
Location
15 Massirio DriveBerlin, CT 06037
Phone
(860) 236-7673
Service Area
3 counties
Drapp Law PLLC
FirmConnecticut estate planning and elder law attorneys with offices in Milford and Cheshire. Comprehensive probate and trust services.
Location
53 River Street, Suite 12Milford, CT 06460
Phone
(203) 871-0356
Established
2005
Service Area
1 county
Fischer & Fischer LLC
FirmWest Haven law firm serving the community from their historic Washington Avenue office since 1959. Herbert D. Fischer served as a respected Probate Judge. Provides wills, probate, estate planning, Medicaid, and powers of attorney services.
Location
568 Washington AvenueWest Haven, CT 06516
Phone
(203) 933-2516
Established
1959
Service Area
1 county
Fournier Legal Services, LLC
FirmEast Haven law firm with additional offices in Madison and Woodbury providing estate planning, business, and corporate services across Connecticut.
Location
64 Thompson Street, Suite A101East Haven, CT 06513
Phone
(860) 670-3535
Service Area
1 county
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C.
FirmHamden law firm with strong estate planning, probate, and elder law practice. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated with multiple Super Lawyers selections and BBB A+ rating.
Location
3127 Whitney AvenueHamden, CT 06518
Phone
(203) 745-0942
Service Area
1 county
Hershman Legal Group P.C.
FirmWell-established Branford law firm with over 50 years of practice. Four attorneys serving high net worth individuals and closely held businesses with estate planning, probate, and elder law services.
Location
420 East Main Street, Building 1, Suite 10Branford, CT 06405
Phone
(203) 777-0001
Established
1973
Service Area
1 county
Knott, Knott & Dunn Attorneys at Law
FirmStratford law firm serving the community since 1953. Well-known throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties for estate planning and elder law services.
Location
1656 Main StreetStratford, CT 06615
Phone
(203) 375-1433
Established
1953
Service Area
2 counties
Kocian Law Group
FirmMulti-specialty law firm with offices in Hartford, Manchester, and New Britain serving families and individuals. Estate planning and probate among practice areas.
Location
356 West Middle TurnpikeManchester, CT 06040
Phone
(860) 730-6100
Service Area
2 counties
Law Offices of Charles L. Kurmay
FirmEstate planning and probate attorneys with offices in Milford, Madison, Westport, and New York City. More than 100 years of combined estate planning and probate experience.
Location
61 Cherry Street, Suite 1Milford, CT 06460
Phone
(203) 380-1743
Service Area
2 counties
Law Offices of Farrell & Grochowski
FirmWallingford estate planning firm serving the community since 1967. Martindale-Hubbell "A" rated with 110+ years of combined experience across four attorneys.
Location
375 Center StreetWallingford, CT 06492
Phone
(203) 269-7756
Established
1967
Service Area
1 county
Leckerling, Ladwig & Leamon LLC
FirmMadison shoreline firm serving the Madison-Guilford Probate District and the greater New Haven County coast. Attorney Elizabeth L. Leamon handles the full range of estate settlement and estate planning, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, and LGBT planning. Selected to Connecticut Super Lawyers for estate planning and probate.
Location
23 Woodland Road, Suite C2Madison, CT 06443
Phone
(203) 318-3600
Service Area
2 counties
Legacy Law Partners, PLLC
Solo PracticeNorth Haven estate planning firm dedicated to helping families protect wealth and secure their legacy. Practice areas include estate planning, business planning, estate administration, asset protection, and elder law. Serves clients throughout Connecticut.
Location
336 State Street, Suite 1North Haven, CT 06473
Phone
(203) 446-4725
Service Area
1 county
Peter C. Barrett, Attorney at Law, LLC
Solo PracticeWest Haven attorney serving the West Haven Probate District and New Haven County, in general practice since 1981. Handles probate and estate administration and the residential real estate transfers that follow a death. Holds Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent rating and offers a free consultation.
Location
140 Captain Thomas Boulevard, Suite 116West Haven, CT 06516
Phone
(203) 931-9722
Service Area
1 county
Raccio Law, LLC
FirmHamden firm on Whitney Avenue serving the Hamden-Bethany Probate District and greater New Haven County. Prepares wills, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and living wills, and guides executors through Connecticut probate and estate administration. Offers free consultations.
Location
1960 Whitney AvenueHamden, CT 06517
Phone
(203) 580-4132
Service Area
1 county
Reilly & Reilly, P.C.
FirmBranford firm on Main Street serving the Branford-North Branford Probate District and the New Haven County shoreline, continuing a Reilly family practice that dates back more than a century. Handles probate and estate administration, wills, and living trusts for shoreline families.
Location
1 Cedrus Court, Suite 1Branford, CT 06405
Phone
(203) 464-7363
Service Area
1 county
RWC LLC (Reed Wilson Case)
FirmWoman-owned firm with offices in Middletown and Wethersfield, serving the Middletown and greater Hartford County probate districts. Drafts wills and trusts and handles probate, estate administration, Medicaid planning, and elder-law matters.
Location
330 South Main StreetMiddletown, CT 06457
Phone
(860) 669-1222
Service Area
3 counties
Steiber & Schopick
FirmTrumbull firm serving the Trumbull Probate District and Fairfield and New Haven counties since 1974. Prepares wills, trusts, advance directives, and powers of attorney, and handles probate and estate administration. Offers a free initial consultation.
Location
572 White Plains RoadTrumbull, CT 06611
Phone
(203) 261-6565
Established
1974
Service Area
2 counties
The Nicholas Law Firm, LLC
FirmTorrington estate and probate firm on Prospect Street serving Litchfield County, with a second office in Waterbury. Prepares wills and revocable trusts, structures plans to keep assets out of probate, and handles probate administration and estate settlement. Offers a free initial consultation.
Location
365 Prospect StreetTorrington, CT 06790
Phone
(860) 489-1878
Service Area
1 county
The Pellegrino Law Firm P.C.
FirmNew Haven estate planning and probate law firm preparing wills and estate planning instruments since 1929. Nine attorneys represent estates, trusts and beneficiaries, and serve as special counsel to bank executors and trustees in probate courts throughout Connecticut.
Location
475 Whitney AvenueNew Haven, CT 06511
Phone
(203) 787-2225
Established
1929
Service Area
1 county
Vanessa Fuller, Attorney at Law, LLC
Solo PracticeGuilford estate planning and probate attorney serving the shoreline communities of Guilford, Branford, Durham, Madison, Killingworth, Clinton, and Westbrook with wills, trusts, estates, and elder law services.
Location
1139 Boston Post RoadGuilford, CT 06437
Phone
(203) 458-3377
Established
2007
Service Area
1 county
Wasikowski Law Firm
FirmMilford, Orange, and Shelton, CT estate planning law firm serving South Central Connecticut with comprehensive probate services. Over 20 years in practice.
Location
26 Cherry StreetMilford, CT 06460
Phone
(203) 301-8838
Service Area
1 county
Wiggin and Dana LLP
FirmMajor Connecticut law firm (146 attorneys, founded 1934) with offices in Connecticut, New York, Philadelphia, DC, and Palm Beach. The Madison satellite office focuses on high-net-worth estate planning within the Madison-Guilford Probate District (PD-34). Private Client Services partners ranked in Chambers High Net Worth every year since the 2016 inaugural edition.
Location
23 Woodland Road, Unit B1Madison, CT 06443
Phone
(203) 498-4540
Established
1934
Service Area
2 counties
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Legal Sources
- C.G.S. § 45a-107
- C.G.S. § 45a-289 (bond required); § 45a-169 and § 45a-139 (waiver)
- C.G.S. § 45a-356 (formerly § 45-230e) — 150 days from appointment of first fiduciary
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-107(b)
- CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure, Rule 39 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage; Hayward v. Plant factors). Note: C.G.S. § 45a-294 covers will contest expenses only and is not the fee authority.
- Estimated from the 17 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)
Data sourced from Connecticut statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Probate Court in Derby Probate District (PD-41), attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $1865). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
Total probate costs on a $500,000 estate run about $32,199 statewide in Connecticut. For Derby Probate District (PD-41), that means filing fees (about $1865 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
Yes. The Probate Court in Derby Probate District (PD-41) accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Connecticut self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Connecticut probate typically closes in 6–12 months; average estates run 12–18 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Derby Probate District (PD-41) probate.
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