Fairfield County Probate Lawyer

The death of a loved one is a difficult experience for anyone to navigate. It’s also a process that can become significantly more arduous and painful in the event of a family legal dispute. Without clear consensus regarding the wishes of the deceased, surviving family members may be compelled to deal with thorny legal matters — a situation that can strain relationships even under the best of circumstances.

Should you find yourself in a similar scenario, it’s imperative that you understand the basics of probate law and that you seek experienced counsel to guide you through the process.

Types of Probate Law We Handle

• Estate Planning
• Executorship duties
• Conservator duties
• Will drafting and execution
• Living Wills

Probate law explained

To put it simply, probate is the legal process by which estates are settled. A probate court oversees a variety of tasks, including creating a comprehensive estate inventory; determining the validity or invalidity of wills; identifying possible heirs; selecting estate executors and administrators; making financial arrangements (including the settlement of taxes and/or debts) and distributing assets to heirs.

During the process, the court will either confirm the executor selected by the deceased provided that there is no challenge to that fiduciary or in the absence of a will  select one person to assume control of the estate, with the goal of satisfying outstanding debts and fairly distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries.

Should the deceased not have a will (this is called dying “intestate”), the prevailing laws of the state determine who inherits any assets. This typically follows the next of kin line: Spouses, children, parents, siblings, cousins etc.

In Connecticut, for example, a surviving spouse is entitled to the entire estate in the absence of a will, should there be no surviving parents or children. If the parents of the deceased are alive, the surviving spouse is entitled to the first $100,000 plus the remaining three-quarters of the estate. If the surviving spouse has children with the deceased, the spouse is entitled to the first $100,000 and splits the rest of the estate with the children.

Should someone die with a will, the probate court may be asked to rule on the will’s validity by an heir. In many states, surviving spouses are granted a certain share of any of the estate’s assets even if a valid will is in place. This share varies from state to state.

The executor or court-appointed  administrator is often required to assume a wide variety of tasks (opening bank accounts, filing court documents, negotiating with creditors, paying taxes etc.). Yet because many executors or administrators have little to no experience in such areas, hiring a probate attorney to assist is common practice. It usually takes anywhere from six months to several years to complete the probate process, depending on the complexity of the case and whether there are any challenges.

It should be noted that while some jurisdictions require probate proceedings on certain estates, it is often a process that can be avoided by mutual agreement among heirs. Probate proceedings for contested estates can be expensive and time-consuming. Yet if you believe you are not being treated fairly following the death of a loved one, can’t reach consensus with other heirs, or find yourself operating in the absence of a will, probate may be your best option. It provides neutral third-party appraisal and helps ensure fair settlement of the estate.

Key probate differences

Once of the most important things of which to be cognizant is that there are critical differences in the probate process from state to state. Each state has specific requirements about documents that must be filed, rules that must be followed etc. The state of Connecticut publishes this comprehensive user guide that explains the various state probate requirements.

Generally speaking, there are three broad categories of probate proceedings: Informal, unsupervised formal and supervised formal.

• Informal probate proceedings are typically associated with estates featuring minimal rancor or disputes among heirs and creditors. Because this process involves no actual court hearings (only submitted documents), it’s only available in cases where nobody contests the proceedings.
• Unsupervised formal probate is the conventional process used when someone dies without a will, or if there is a dispute among heirs.
• Supervised formal probate is only used in cases where there is a concern that heirs may not be able to act in their own best interests. In such cases, court approval is required for asset distribution and other tasks.

You should be aware that there are some states (including Connecticut) that do not have conventional informal probate. However, Connecticut does have a probate exception for smaller estates. It’s also important to understand that if you have any question at all about the validity of a will or the fairness of asset distribution, you should seek legal counsel and perhaps opt for a more formal probate process. While it may take longer, the process is designed to protect the rights of all heirs.

The Basics of Probating an Estate in Connecticut

Few people enjoy thinking about dealing with the loss of a loved one, or leaving loved ones behind. Yet smart planning is critically important if you want to ensure that friends, family members and dependents are taken care of. Understanding how the probate process works is a key part of that planning process.

Let’s take a closer look at the basics of probating an estate in Connecticut, and what you need to do to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

Probate in Connecticut: How it Works

Probate is the official process by which estates are settled under the supervision of a Connecticut court.

During the probate process, an executor is named, or in the absence of a will an administrator. This person has the responsibility of paying any bills or taxes associated with the estate, tallying and valuing its assets and distributing them to the designated beneficiaries.

Executors, who are normally a spouse or child of the decedent, can be named in a will or appointed by the courts in the absence of a will.

The probate process is designed to ensure that estate distribution is handled fairly and legally, as it provides a structured way to appraise the value of an estate, pay off creditors and establish the validity of a will. Once these tasks are accomplished, the court will issue an order distributing the assets of the estate to the appropriate heirs.

The probate process also allows heirs (or anyone who feels they are a rightful heir) the necessary time and opportunity to contest a will.

The Terms of Probate

Whether or not an estate is probated depends on a few variables, including size. If an estate is worth less than $40,000, a “small estate” affidavit may be filed in the Connecticut probate court. This invokes a simplified probate process (called summary probate) that is faster and often only requires the filing of a few forms, requiring no court hearing.

It’s also important to remember that not every asset is subject to the probate process, as some may immediately transfer upon death. If a property is co-owned under a joint tenancy agreement, full ownership will automatically convert to the surviving party should one of the joint tenants pass away. If a decedent establishes a living trust in the state of Connecticut, the assets held within that trust are not typically subject to probate.

Financial accounts that are designated payable on death (such as bank or retirement accounts) can also convert to the named beneficiary immediately. Life insurance policies, too, convert to the named beneficiary, and are generally not subject to probate.

For scenarios that do not meet this list of exceptions, the probate process is required in order to settle the estate. Wills and probate applications must be filed within 30 days of the decedent’s passing in the county where they died.

In the absence of a will, the court will name someone to manage the estate and issue notices to all heirs. Once the administrator is named, the probate court will initiate the process  by issuing Letters Testamentary granting the administrator the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

The executor must prepare and file with the probate court an inventory of all estate assets. The executor must also prepare and file tax documents. Once all of the required steps have been completed, the court will issue another order that distributes the assets to the proper beneficiaries.

Finding the Right Connecticut Probate Attorney

Probate cases are among the most complex and time-consuming in the legal field. The laws governing administration and distribution of estates are often deeply complicated and can vary widely by jurisdiction. As such, it can be almost impossible for a layperson to be sure that the process is being handled equitably.

Additionally, those who have been appointed as an executor or designated as an administrator may find themselves struggling to keep pace with the extensive requirements of the  job. Balancing one’s normal life with a whole range of new legal responsibilities — all occurring during a time of great stress and sadness — can quickly become overwhelming. Seeking help from an experienced probate attorney can help relieve this burden.

If you’re in a similar situation — or you’re an heir who feels you’re being treated unfairly — please don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Doing so will help protect your rights and ensure that your loved one’s wishes are being duly followed.

Past Verdicts & Settlements