How does probate work in Connecticut?
The Probate Court in Connecticut oversees sensitive family issues such as decedent’s estates, guardianship of minors, conservatorships, and even legal name changes. A large portion of matters that appear before the Probate Court are decedent’s estates. Settling a loved ones estate is often what brings most people in contact with the Probate Court.
The probate process for an estate varies depending on the circumstances.
How long does probate take in Connecticut?
Generally speaking, an estate takes about one year to settle.
How do you avoid probate in Connecticut?
There is a widespread misconception that you can avoid probate in Connecticut. When planning their estate’s many people think that if they have a trust, their assets will bypass probate when they die. This is not entirely true. In Connecticut, even if you have no solely owned assets upon your death, i.e. everything is jointly owned or held in trust, your estate is still legally required to file an estate tax return. The estate tax return is filed with the Probate Court if the gross value of the estate is below the state estate tax exemption for the year of death. If over the threshold, the estate tax return must also be filed with the appropriate taxing authorities.