Probate in Connecticut
Connecticut probate is administered by Connecticut's regional Probate Courts — a unique statewide system separate from the Superior Court. Connecticut has 54 probate courts organized by district, and the probate court judges are elected. The system is known for being accessible and providing hands-on assistance to executors.
Connecticut probate typically takes 6–18 months.
Simplified estate procedures
Connecticut allows a small estate affidavit for personal property of $40,000 or less, available 30 days after death. Connecticut also has a simplified "settlement without administration" for very small estates.
Connecticut authorizes transfer on death deeds for real property as of 2022.
Death certificates
Connecticut death certificates are issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Vital Records and local town clerks. The cost is $20 per certified copy. Order through DPH or through the town clerk where the death was recorded.
Order at least 10–12 certified copies when the funeral home files the initial certificate.
Estate and inheritance tax
- State estate tax: Connecticut imposes a state estate tax but raised its exemption to match the federal exemption ($13.61M in 2024) as of January 2023. For most estates, no Connecticut estate tax applies. Rates on taxable estates range from 11.6% to 12%.
- Inheritance tax: Connecticut has no inheritance tax.
The federal estate tax applies only to estates above $13.61 million (2024 threshold).
Notable rules
- Regional probate courts: Connecticut's 54 probate district courts are accessible and well-staffed; probate judges are elected and typically provide more personal guidance than in states with large unified courts.
- Creditor claim period: 150 days from the date of appointment of the executor.
- Transfer on death deed: Connecticut enacted TOD deed legislation effective 2022.
- Estate tax now at federal level: Connecticut aligned its estate tax exemption with the federal exemption in 2023, eliminating estate tax for most estates.
Key contacts
- Connecticut vital records: portal.ct.gov/DPH/Vital-Records
- Connecticut Probate Courts: ctprobate.gov
- Connecticut Bar Association lawyer referral: ctbar.org