Guides
Connecticut probate articles
- A Per Stirpes Primer From The Connecticut Supreme Court
2020-10-20
In Schwerin v. Ratcliffe , the Connecticut Supreme Court did a deep dive on the application of and rationale behind per stirpes distribution. The Court analyzed the terms of two family trusts and law from Connecticut and other jurisdictions…
- Connecticut Supreme Court Strikes In Terrorem Clause Governing Estate Administration
2023-09-29
Most states have a well-developed rule governing in terrorem clauses, or "no contest" clauses, wherein a beneficiary who attempts to challenge the terms of a will or trust forfeits the inheritance he or she would otherwise receive. Some sta…
- How Do You Make a Valid Will In Connecticut?
2021-03-05
To make a valid will under Connecticut law, the will must be: In writing; Signed by the testator; and, Attested by two witnesses. The requirements for a valid will in Connecticut are located at CT Gen Stat §45a-251 . Who Can Make a V…
- Surviving Spouse Rights Connecticut
2019-09-20
Surviving spouse rights (also called widow's rights) in Connecticut include: Intestate Share Elective Share Support Allowance Omitted Spouse Rights What Are Surviving Spouse Rights in Connecticut If There Is No Will? When someone dies witho…
- Trustee of Inter Vivos Revocable Trust Has Duty to Collect Trust Assets
2023-12-27
A standard estate plan is the use of a "pour over" will with a revocable trust. The will bequeaths the entirety of the residuary of the probate estate to a trust. The will in this scenario is known as a "pour over" will. Ideally, the trust,…
- Who Are Next Of Kin In Connecticut?
2020-07-20
Next of kin in Connecticut can describe who inherits from an estate when there is no will, known as intestacy. The rules for which next of kin inherit in the absence of a will are based on the total family composition of the deceased. CT Ge…
- Who Can Serve As the Fiduciary Of a Connecticut Estate?
2022-06-20
Who is entitled to serve as the fiduciary of a Connecticut estate depends on whether the decedent died testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will). Who Is Appointed As Fiduciary When Decedent Died With a Will? If the decedent died w…