After a death in Connecticut

Small estates

Affidavit in lieu of administration (court form PC-212), filed with the probate court for the district where the person lived. Allowed when the person owned no real estate in their sole name (real estate held with survivorship is fine) and total personal property is $40,000 or less. The surviving spouse files first; if none, next of kin; others only if they decline. No estate case can be pending in any probate court.

• Limit: $40,000 personal property, with no solely owned real estate
• Waiting time after the death: None stated on the court form
• Source: the official source

Probate court

In Connecticut, estates are handled by the Probate Court for the probate district where the person lived, usually in the county where the person lived.

Creditor claims: Claims must be presented within 150 days after the fiduciary is appointed.

Official court forms

Forms List | Connecticut Probate Courts

The full list of official Connecticut Probate Court forms, including decedent estate and small estate forms.

Small estate form: open the form

Form PC-212 is the Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration (small estates). File with the probate court for the district where the person lived.

Estate and inheritance tax

• State estate tax: Yes, for estates above $15,000,000 (deaths in 2026, equal to the federal basic exclusion). Tax is 12% of the amount over the exemption. Total Connecticut estate and gift tax is capped at $15 million. Estates at or under $15 million file Form CT-706 NT with the probate court. Larger estates file Form CT-706/709 with the Department of Revenue Services and the probate court. Connecticut also has a gift tax.
• Inheritance tax: No. Connecticut has no inheritance tax.

The federal estate tax applies only to very large estates. Most families do not owe it.

Property that passes outside probate

• Transfer on death deed for a home: No. Connecticut has no transfer on death deed law. Survivorship deeds and revocable trusts are common alternatives.
• Community property state: No.

Accounts with a named beneficiary, jointly owned property and property in a living trust usually pass directly, without probate, in every state.

Wills

Signing a will: Signed by the testator and 2 witnesses. A self-proving affidavit before a notary or commissioner of the Superior Court is optional.

Handwritten wills: A handwritten unwitnessed will made in Connecticut is not valid. One validly made in another state may be accepted.

Power of attorney and health care directive

Financial power of attorney: Connecticut adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (C.G.S. 1-350 and after). It must be dated, signed by the principal, and witnessed by 2 people (C.G.S. 1-350d). Notarizing makes the signature presumed genuine and is expected by banks and needed for real estate. The Act includes a statutory short form.

Health care directive: Appointment of health care representative and living will, often combined in one advance directive form. Signed and dated with 2 adult witnesses.

Death certificates

Certified copies come from the Registrar of vital records in the town where the death occurred, or the Department of Public Health State Vital Records Office. The funeral home can usually order them for you.

Most families need 6 to 12 certified copies. Banks, insurers and brokerages usually want a certified copy.

Also good to know

Connecticut probate courts charge a fee on nearly every estate, based on the gross estate including many nonprobate assets, capped at $40,000. An estate tax return (CT-706 NT) is filed with the probate court even when no tax is due.