After a death in Connecticut, the estate either qualifies for the simplified procedure for estates under $40,000C.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or goes through probate, where creditors have 5 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-356 (formerly § 45-230e) (150 days from appointment of the first fiduciary); § 45a-357(a)-(b) (optional notice, 90-day minimum); § 45a-375(c) (two years from death)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to file claims after notice.
Certified copies come from the Connecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records OfficeConnecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the funeral home usually places the first order. Each certified copy costs $20Connecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, and standard processing takes Up to 12 weeks at State officeConnecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source. Banks, insurers, government agencies and retirement plans each want a certified copy, so the first order is for several. The Connecticut death certificate guide carries the ordering details.
Connecticut sets an order for who controls the disposition of remains: surviving spouse, then surviving adult children, then surviving parentsCGS 45a-318(d)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source. The state allows you to name your own agent in advanceCGS 45a-318(a)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and a written designation outranks the default order. The Connecticut burial and cremation law guide carries the rest of the rules.
Only for what the decedent owned alone with no beneficiary named. Assets in a living trust, accounts with a named beneficiary and property owned jointly with right of survivorship pass outside probate. For the rest, Connecticut allows estates with personal property of $40,000C.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Small Estate Affidavit (Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration, PC-212)C.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. In Connecticut the affidavit is filed with the court, and holders honor the court's certified copy — but no letters testamentary or of administration issue. The waiting period is 30 daysC.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death.
Connecticut uses Petition/Administration or Probate of Will (PC-200)C.G.S. §§ 45a-283, 45a-286 (probate of will / hearing), 45a-289 (bond), 45a-290 (administration w/ will annexed), 45a-303 (intestate jurisdiction & letters of administration)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source, filed with the Connecticut Probate CourtC.G.S. §§ 45a-283, 45a-286 (probate of will / hearing), 45a-289 (bond), 45a-290 (administration w/ will annexed), 45a-303 (intestate jurisdiction & letters of administration)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. Probate Court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration after the court grants the petition. The Connecticut Letters Testamentary guide carries the documents, the bond and the self-filing rules.
A simple estate in Connecticut typically settles in 6 months to 12 months, and an average estate in 12 months to 18 months. The creditor claim period of 5 monthsC.G.S. § 45a-356 (formerly § 45-230e) (150 days from appointment of the first fiduciary); § 45a-357(a)-(b) (optional notice, 90-day minimum); § 45a-375(c) (two years from death)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source is the floor: final distribution waits for it to run. Assets in a living trust settle privately, without the court's timeline.
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Free forms for settling an estate in Connecticut: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form.
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Affidavit of Death
In Connecticut, a surviving joint owner records the “Affidavit of facts relating to title or interest in real estateConn. Gen. Stat. § 47-12aVerified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
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IRS Form 56
Notify the IRS that you are the fiduciary of an estate, a trust or a person, or end a notice filed before, on the official form.
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Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
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Petition for Probate and Letters
In Connecticut, the petition asks the Connecticut Probate Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the courtC.G.S. § 45a-286 (hearing required before proving or rejecting a will; no registrar/clerk appointment track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
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Renunciation of Executor
In Connecticut, a person named as executor may decline to serveConn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-290(a); Probate Court form PC-200, REV. 07/23Verified Sep 22, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
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Affidavit of Heirship
In Connecticut, heirs put their identity on the land records with a recorded affidavit of facts affecting title that states who the heirs areC.G.S. § 47-12aVerified Sep 24, 2026View source; once recorded it is prima facie evidence of the facts stated.
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Small Estate Affidavit
In Connecticut, the Small Estate Affidavit (Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration, PC-212)C.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $40,000C.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 daysC.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, filed with the court.
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Estate Inventory
In Connecticut, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysC.G.S. § 45a-341 (extendable to 4 months for cause, § 45a-341(b)(2)); Probate Court Rules §§ 30.12, 30.14; Form PC-2407Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Free tools for settling an estate in Connecticut: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Connecticut, certified death certificates come from the Connecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records OfficeConnecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $20Connecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records OfficeVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
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Do I Need Probate?
In Connecticut, estates with personal property of $40,000C.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less use the Small Estate Affidavit (Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration, PC-212)C.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source,30 daysC.G.S. § 45a-273Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, a court filing short of full probate.
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What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
When a joint owner dies in Connecticut, what the survivor records is the “Affidavit of facts relating to title or interest in real estateConn. Gen. Stat. § 47-12aVerified Oct 26, 2026View source”.
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Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Connecticut requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-700Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
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How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Connecticut: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysC.G.S. § 45a-341 (extendable to 4 months for cause, § 45a-341(b)(2)); Probate Court Rules §§ 30.12, 30.14; Form PC-2407Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 5 monthsC.G.S. §§ 45a-354, 45a-356, 45a-357, 45a-358, 45a-363, 45a-365, 45a-375Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
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How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Connecticut levies an estate taxConn. Gen. Stat. § 12-391Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $15,000,000Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-391Verified Sep 15, 2026View source (top rate 12%Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-391Verified Sep 15, 2026View source) and no inheritance tax; the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
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What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
In Connecticut, beneficiaries owe no inheritance tax and the estate pays any estate taxConn. Gen. Stat. § 12-391Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $15,000,000Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-391Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 6 months to 12 months for a simple estate.
Connecticut Executor ChecklistC.G.S. § 45a-107(b),(l)(3) (court fee schedule + $40K cap, verified from cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_801b.htm#sec_45a-107); § 45a-273 (small estate $40K, verified from cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_802b.htm#sec_45a-273); § 45a-275 (30-day window before small-estate decree); § 45a-356 (150-day creditor period, cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_802b.htm#sec_45a-356); §§ 45a-289, 45a-169, 45a-139 (bond + waivers); § 45a-354 with §§ 45a-109(3), 45a-110(a) (newspaper notice + estate pays the expense); §§ 45a-341, 45a-346 (fiduciary appraisal; court-appointed appraisers prohibited); § 45a-286 (hearing required to admit a will); CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure Rules 30 and 39 (ctprobate.gov)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source
Notify immediate family members
Contact close family members who need to know. Coordinate funeral arrangements and gather contact information for extended family and friends.
Confirm who has authority over final arrangements
State law sets the order of who has the legal right to decide burial, cremation, or other disposition. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls. Confirm who holds this authority before arrangements are made.
Connecticut: State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Person designated in a written instrument (CGS 45a-318(a)); then Surviving spouse (unless the spouse abandoned the deceased before death or has been adjudged incapable) (CGS 45a-318); then Surviving adult children (CGS 45a-318(d)(2)); then others in statutory order. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls over this order.
Arrange burial, cremation, or other disposition
Work with a funeral home, crematory, or other provider to arrange disposition of the body. State rules govern cremation waiting periods, required authorizations, and burial or disposition permits. The funeral home typically provides certified death certificates and files the death certificate with vital records.
Connecticut: Cremation has a 48-hour waiting period. Medical examiner authorization is required before cremation. A burial or disposition permit is required, issued by the registrar of vital statistics of the town where the death occurred or where the funeral director has a place of business (CGS 7-65). The death certificate must be filed within 3 days. That deadline is for filing through the electronic death registry; a paper certificate is due within 5 business days, and the medical certification is due to the funeral director within 24 hours of death (CGS 7-62b). Median prices on 32 Connecticut funeral homes' general price lists: direct cremation $3,960, immediate burial $5,445.
Request 10-15 certified copies from the funeral home or state vital records office. You will need these for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and other institutions. Each institution typically requires an original certified copy.
Connecticut: Order from Connecticut Department of Public Health - State Vital Records Office. Fee: $20/copy ($20 additional). Available: online, phone, mail, in-person. Processing: Up to 12 weeks at State office.
Change locks if necessary, ensure the home is secured, and safeguard valuable items. Review who has keys and whether security measures are needed.
Connecticut: Homestead exemption up to $250,000. Minor children also protected.C.G.S. §§ 52-352b(21) (as amended by P.A. 21-161, eff. Oct 1, 2021), 45a-321Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Locate estate planning documents
Find the original will, trust documents, and any amendments. Check the home, safe deposit box, and contact any attorney the deceased worked with.
Determine if probate is necessary
Evaluate whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures or if full probate is required based on asset values and types.
Connecticut: Small estate affidavit available for estates under $40,000.C.G.S. § 45a-107(b),(l)(3) (court fee schedule + $40K cap, verified from cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_801b.htm#sec_45a-107); § 45a-273 (small estate $40K, verified from cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_802b.htm#sec_45a-273); § 45a-275 (30-day window before small-estate decree); § 45a-356 (150-day creditor period, cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_802b.htm#sec_45a-356); §§ 45a-289, 45a-169, 45a-139 (bond + waivers); § 45a-354 with §§ 45a-109(3), 45a-110(a) (newspaper notice + estate pays the expense); §§ 45a-341, 45a-346 (fiduciary appraisal; court-appointed appraisers prohibited); § 45a-286 (hearing required to admit a will); CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure Rules 30 and 39 (ctprobate.gov)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source
Ensure mail is collected regularly to identify bills, accounts, and important correspondence. Forwarding mail to the executor/trustee is common practice.
Report the death to Social Security. The funeral home often does this, but verify it was done. Surviving spouse may be eligible for benefits.
Federal: Timing: Application for the lump-sum death payment: within 2 years of the date of death. Proof of support for a dependent parent's benefit: within 2 years of the worker's death. The funeral home reports the death.
Cancel Medicare coverage and return the Medicare card. If on Medicaid, notify the state agency to avoid benefit continuation.
Connecticut: Medicare: Repayment of a Medicare Secondary Payer demand against the estate: within 60 calendar days of the demand; interest is assessed from the date the demand letter was mailed. Claim for services furnished before death: within 12 months of the date of service. If the deceased received Medicaid, Connecticut's estate recovery program (Connecticut Department of Social Services, Medicaid Estate Recovery) may file a claim against the estate for benefits paid. Exemptions and hardship waivers are state-specific.
If the deceased was a veteran, notify the VA to stop benefits and inquire about burial benefits and survivor benefits.
Federal: Timing: DIC or death pension application, for an award effective from the month of death: within 1 year of the date of death; Payments start from the filing date instead of the first day of the month of death.. Claim for accrued benefits: within 1 year of the beneficiary's death. Claim for lump-sum accrued benefits withheld from a competent veteran during hospital, institutional or home care: within 5 years of the beneficiary's death. Request to be substituted into the veteran's pending claim or appeal: within 1 year of the date of death. Burial allowance claim for a death that was not service connected: within 2 years of the veteran's burial. Burial allowance claim where VA upgraded the discharge from dishonorable after death: within 2 years of the upgrade.
Contact life insurance companies to file claims. Also notify health, auto, and homeowner insurance to update or cancel policies.
Connecticut: Divorce does not automatically revoke beneficiary designations — a former spouse named on a policy or account may still be the legal beneficiary.
Place a deceased alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent identity theft. Over 2 million deceased identities are stolen annually.
Locate deeds, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and homeowner insurance policies for all real property. Check the county recorder for any recorded Transfer on Death deeds.
Connecticut: Homestead exemption up to $250,000. Minor children also protected.C.G.S. §§ 52-352b(21) (as amended by P.A. 21-161, eff. Oct 1, 2021), 45a-321Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Whoever holds the original will hands it to the probate court, or to the executor it names, within the period state law sets. The will becomes part of the court record whether or not probate is opened.
Obtain an EIN for the estate
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The estate needs its own tax ID to open bank accounts and file tax returns.
Submit the original will (if any) and petition to open probate. You will need to pay filing fees and may need to post a bond.
Probate must be opened within 10 years of the deathC.G.S. § 45a-330Verified Aug 24, 2026View source
Connecticut: Statewide form: PC-200 (Petition/Administration or Probate of Will). File with the Connecticut Probate Court (the court for the probate district in which the decedent was domiciled at death). Filing fees vary by estate value. Typical duration: 12-18 months.C.G.S. §§ 45a-283, 45a-286 (probate of will / hearing), 45a-289 (bond), 45a-290 (administration w/ will annexed), 45a-303 (intestate jurisdiction & letters of administration)Verified Aug 24, 2026
Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority.
Connecticut: Letters Testamentary are issued by the Probate Court (judge admits the will / grants administration; the court mails a sealed fiduciary probate certificate to the appointed fiduciary). The state's title for the role is Fiduciary (executor if testate, administrator if intestate). Typically filed with the petition: Copy of the death certificate, with the Social Security number redacted (PC-200 instruction 3); Original will and codicils, if any (filed on paper). A custodian must deliver the will forthwith after learning of the death, to the named executor or to the Probate Court (C.G.S. § 45a-282(a); penalty if neglected for 30 days), and the named executor must apply for probate of the will within 30 days of the death (C.G.S. § 45a-283(a)); Confidential Information Sheet, PC-200CI (decedent Social Security number; filed separately from the public petition); Acceptance of trust signed by each proposed fiduciary (included on the PC-200 'Proposed Fiduciary' section); Appointment of Probate Judge as Agent for Service by Non-Resident Fiduciary, PC-482 (only if the proposed fiduciary is not a Connecticut resident); Probate bond unless excused (C.G.S. § 45a-289), or a Bond Waiver, PC-280, signed by the heirs/beneficiaries.C.G.S. §§ 45a-283, 45a-286 (probate of will / hearing), 45a-289 (bond), 45a-290 (administration w/ will annexed), 45a-303 (intestate jurisdiction & letters of administration)Verified Aug 24, 2026
Publish a notice in a local newspaper to alert potential creditors. This starts the creditor claim period running.
Connecticut: Connecticut requires publication for 1 consecutive week. Typical cost: $150. The court or clerk arranges the newspaper publication after appointment; the executor does not place the notice directly. Creditors have 5 months from the opening of probate to file claims. Direct notice is optional, but it is the only thing that cuts a creditor off: a creditor you notify is barred 90 days later, and one you do not notify keeps their claim alive.C.G.S. §§ 45a-354, 45a-356, 45a-357, 45a-358, 45a-363, 45a-365, 45a-375Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
Identify email accounts, social media, online banking, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets. Note any password managers used.
Connecticut: Connecticut has adopted digital asset access laws (2016). User authorization or court order may be required to access accounts. Online tool authorizations (like Google Inactive Account Manager) are valid.C.G.S. §§ 45a-334b to 45a-334s (Connecticut Revised UFADAA; P.A. 16-145); short title § 45a-334b; definitions § 45a-334c; user direction § 45a-334e (former § 45a-334a repealed eff. Oct 1, 2016)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Search the state unclaimed property database for forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and refunds owed to the deceased. Estates frequently recover assets the deceased never tracked.
Connecticut: Search Connecticut Office of the State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division for forgotten accounts, refunds, and uncashed checks owed to the deceased.
Contact retirement account custodians about beneficiary claims. IRAs and 401(k)s typically pass by beneficiary designation, not through the estate.
Connecticut: Divorce does not automatically revoke beneficiary designations — a former spouse named on a policy or account may still be the legal beneficiary.
Prepare and file an inventory of all estate assets with their values. The filing deadline runs from your appointment as personal representative and is set by state law.
Inventory due 60 days after appointment as personal representativeC.G.S. § 45a-341 (extendable to 4 months for cause, § 45a-341(b)(2)); Probate Court Rules §§ 30.12, 30.14; Form PC-2407Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Connecticut: Inventory due within 60 days of appointment. You set the fair-market values yourself; no independent appraiser is required. Supplemental inventory required for assets discovered after the initial filing.C.G.S. § 45a-341 (extendable to 4 months for cause, § 45a-341(b)(2)); Probate Court Rules §§ 30.12, 30.14; Form PC-2407Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Review claims submitted by creditors. Reject invalid claims and pay valid debts from estate/trust assets.
Connecticut: After a claim is rejected, the creditor has 120 days to sue on it. If the estate cannot pay every claim, payment order: Funeral expenses; then Expenses of settling the estate; then Claims for last sickness of decedent; then remaining claims in statutory order.C.G.S. §§ 45a-354, 45a-356, 45a-357, 45a-358, 45a-363, 45a-365, 45a-375Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
Do not make final distributions until the creditor claim period has expired. This protects you from personal liability.
Creditor claim period: 5 months from the opening of probateC.G.S. §§ 45a-354, 45a-356, 45a-357, 45a-358, 45a-363, 45a-365, 45a-375Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
Connecticut: Creditor claim period is 5 months from the opening of probate. All claims are barred 2 years after death regardless of notice.C.G.S. §§ 45a-354, 45a-356, 45a-357, 45a-358, 45a-363, 45a-365, 45a-375Verified Oct 18, 2026View source
Transfer ownership of vehicles to beneficiaries or the estate. Contact the state DMV with a death certificate and title documents.
Connecticut: Connecticut titles can carry a Designation of motor vehicle beneficiary (Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-16(b)). Check the title for a TOD or beneficiary designation — a designated vehicle passes directly to the named beneficiary outside probate. Titles are processed by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
File a final IRS Form 1040 for the deceased covering January 1 through date of death. Write "DECEASED," the decedent's name, and the date of death across the top of the return. If filing jointly with a surviving spouse, include both incomes. Attach Form 1310 to claim a refund, unless you are the surviving spouse filing a joint return or a court-appointed personal representative attaching a copy of the court certificate to the original return.
IRS Form 1040 due April 15 following year of death26 USC 6012(b)(1)
Connecticut: File CT-1040 for January 1 through date of death. Due April 15 following year of death. An executor, administrator, or surviving spouse files for the portion of the year before death. Check the box next to the deceased taxpayer's SSN on the front page of the return, sign for the deceased taxpayer on the signature line, and indicate the date of death.Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 12-391, 12-392, 12-398, 12-642Verified Sep 10, 2026View source
If the estate or trust earns income during administration ($600 in gross income), file IRS Form 1041. Required if estate gross income is $600 or more, or if any beneficiary is a nonresident alien. The estate can choose a fiscal year. Use Form 7004 for an automatic 5.5-month extension of time to file.
Connecticut: File CT-1041 for estate/trust income. Required when Required if federal Form 1041 is required or estate has any Connecticut taxable income. Due April 15 (calendar year); extension via CT-1041 EXT. Estimated tax via CT-1041ES required if CT tax liability $1,000+. Schedule CT-1041 K-1 for beneficiary allocations.Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 12-391, 12-392, 12-398, 12-642Verified Sep 10, 2026View source
For estates exceeding the federal exemption ($15,000,000), IRS Form 706 is required. Some states have lower thresholds. File Form 4768 for an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. The estate and GST tax is still due within 9 months of death; an extension of time to pay must be requested separately on the same form. Form 706 may also be filed to elect portability of the unused exemption to a surviving spouse.
IRS Form 706 due 9 months after date of death (6-month extension available) if required; Connecticut CT-706/709 due 6 months after date of deathConn. Gen. Stat. §§ 12-391, 12-392, 12-398, 12-642Verified Sep 10, 2026
Connecticut: Has STATE ESTATE TAX with $15,000,000 exemption. File CT-706/709, due 6 months after date of death.Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-391Verified Sep 15, 2026View source
Some states require tax clearance or closing letters before final distribution. Distributing without clearance can create personal liability for the executor or trustee.
Connecticut: Tax clearance IS REQUIRED before final distribution. Estate tax lien (§ 12-398(d)) attaches to the decedent's CT real property from the due date until the tax is paid. Form: CT-4422 UGE → CT-792 UGE (taxable estates); CT-706 NT (nontaxable estates, via Probate Court).Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 12-391, 12-392, 12-398, 12-642Verified Sep 10, 2026View source
An executor or personal representative is entitled to compensation for administering the estate. Some states set commissions by statute; others allow reasonable compensation. Decide whether to take a commission and document the basis before final distribution.
Connecticut: Executor compensation must be reasonable (no fixed statutory schedule). States that do set a schedule pay 2.2%–3.8% of an estate this size. Commissions are taxable income to the executor and are usually waived when the executor is also the main beneficiary.CT Probate Court Rules of Procedure, Rule 39 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source
Keep copies of all documents, accountings, receipts, and tax returns. Most professionals recommend keeping records for 7-10 years.
General information about settling an estate, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal questions. Data verified Sep 15, 2026
