Do stepchildren or unmarried partners inherit in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut intestacy law, stepchildren and unmarried partners do not inherit unless legally adopted or otherwise recognized by statute (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-437). Only legally recognized spouses and blood or adopted relatives are included in the intestate succession order. A will or trust is the only way to provide for stepchildren or unmarried partners.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Connecticut?

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This calculator provides general information about intestate succession and is not legal advice. Intestacy laws vary by state and situation. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your family.Data verified 2026-07-15

Frequently Asked Questions

Connecticut intestacy laws determine who inherits when there is no will. Connecticut follows separate property rules. The surviving spouse's share depends on whether children survive and their relationship to the spouse. The order of priority is: surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, then more distant relatives.

The surviving spouse's share in Connecticut depends on family structure. With no children: If no parent survives: entire estate. If parent survives: first $100,000 plus 3/4 of the remaining estate.. With shared children: First $100,000 plus half of the remaining estate (when all children are also children of surviving spouse). When children from a prior relationship survive: Half of the estate.

Connecticut uses the "per stirpes" distribution method. Under this method, each branch of the family receives an equal share, and a deceased child's portion passes to their own descendants. Per stirpes

Under Connecticut intestacy law, stepchildren and unmarried partners do not inherit unless legally adopted or otherwise recognized by statute. Only legally recognized spouses and blood or adopted relatives are included in the intestate succession order. A will or trust is the only way to provide for stepchildren or unmarried partners. The Connecticut will signing requirements page outlines what is needed to execute a valid will.

Probate costs in Connecticut depend on estate size and complexity. Estates valued at $40,000 or less may qualify for a simplified procedure that avoids formal probate. For larger estates, fees include court costs, attorney fees, and executor compensation. Use the Connecticut probate cost calculator for a detailed estimate.

Intestacy Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut intestacy law gives the surviving spouse a share that depends on the family structure. With no children, the spouse receives If no parent survives: entire estate. If parent survives: first $100,000 plus 3/4 of the remaining estate.. When shared children survive, the share changes to First $100,000 plus half of the remaining estate (when all children are also children of surviving spouse).

Assets passing to children and descendants in Connecticut are divided by Per stirpes. Unlike many states, Connecticut has no mandatory survival period for heirs.

Intestate estates in Connecticut valued under $40,000 may qualify for a simplified transfer procedure that avoids formal probate. Use the Connecticut probate calculator to estimate costs for larger estates.

A revocable living trust overrides Connecticut intestacy law and bypasses probate. Assets in the trust transfer privately to named beneficiaries without the delays, costs, or public exposure of the probate process.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 15, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Connecticut statutes and official state code. How we research.

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