Detailed Answer

Short answer: In Connecticut you can often buy your siblings’ interests in a parent’s home instead of forcing a court-ordered sale, but the exact steps depend on how title is held, whether the property is part of a probate estate, and whether the heirs agree. If the property must pass through probate, the executor/administrator and the probate court may have roles to play. If heirs cannot agree, a partition action can force a sale. Below are clear, practical steps and the legal principles that typically apply under Connecticut law.

1. Confirm how title passes

First, determine how the property is titled:

• If the parent held title as joint tenants with right of survivorship or as tenants by the entirety with a surviving co-owner, the property may pass outside probate to the surviving joint owner.
• If the parent used a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed or beneficiary deed, the deed controls the transfer outside probate.
• If the parent held title solely in their name (and there is no effective TOD deed), the property usually becomes part of the probate estate and will be distributed under the will or under Connecticut intestacy rules if there is no will (see Connecticut General Statutes, Title 45a: Probate Courts: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/title_045a.htm and intestacy rules at https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/45a-431.htm).

2. If the property is probate estate property

If the house is part of the probate estate, the appointed executor (personal representative) or administrator has the duty to collect and distribute estate assets according to the will or Connecticut law. The administrator may be able to transfer the property to heirs if the probate court approves distribution or if the will or statute authorizes the sale or distribution. Because probate court supervision can be required when real property is involved, you should plan to involve the probate process or to obtain the court’s approval for a transfer.

Practical routes when property is in probate:

• Family settlement agreement approved by the executor and, if needed, the probate court: Heirs can sign an agreement where one heir buys out other heirs’ interests. The estate (through the executor) may execute a deed transferring the real estate to the buying heir once payment arrangements are made and the court approves distribution.
• Executor uses estate funds to pay heirs: The executor may use estate cash to pay legatees or heirs their shares and leave the house to one heir, subject to the terms of the will and court approval.

3. If heirs hold undivided interests outside of probate

If the property has already passed to multiple heirs (for example, through intestacy distribution or by a deed distributing interests), the heirs are co-owners. To buy out siblings’ shares you would:

1. Obtain a current title search and a market appraisal to determine value and to identify liens or mortgages.
2. Negotiate buyout terms in writing — price, payment terms, who pays closing costs, who is responsible for existing mortgage, and timing.
3. Use a deed to transfer the selling siblings’ interests (typically a quitclaim deed or general warranty deed), recorded in the land records of the town where the property is located.

4. What if heirs cannot agree?

If you and your siblings cannot reach an agreement, Connecticut law allows a partition action: a court-ordered process where a co-owner asks the Superior Court to partition the property physically or order a sale and divide proceeds. The statute governing partition is available at Connecticut General Statutes §52-495 et seq. (see https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/52-495.htm). Partition actions can be costly and usually result in a sale if physical division is impractical.

5. Common practical steps to complete a buyout

1. Get a professional appraisal to set a fair price.
2. Order a title search with a title company to confirm ownership, liens, and mortgages.
3. Draft a written buy-sell agreement (purchase agreement) that states price, payment method, closing date, and contingencies.
4. Decide whether the buyer will assume the mortgage, refinance, or the seller(s) will be paid off from sale proceeds.
5. Close through an attorney or title company with proper deed forms — usually a quitclaim deed or warranty deed — and record the deed in the town land records.
6. If the property is in probate, get the executor’s and probate court’s approval for the transfer if required.

6. Taxes, liens and other considerations

Be aware of outstanding mortgages, liens, municipal tax arrears, or home equity lines. Connecticut also has state estate tax rules; consult a tax advisor about potential estate or gift tax consequences if you structure the buyout as a gift or below-market sale. Keep records of the transaction and record the deed promptly.

7. When to get professional help

If any of the following apply, consult an attorney experienced with Connecticut probate and real estate law:

• Property is part of an open probate estate and court approval will be needed;
• Disagreement among heirs;
• There are mortgages, liens, or complex title issues;
• You want to refinance the property to fund a buyout;
• Significant tax consequences may arise.

Connecticut probate law overview: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/title_045a.htm; partition statute: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/52-495.htm; intestacy distribution rules: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/45a-431.htm

Disclaimer: This article is educational only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and each situation is unique. For legal advice tailored to your facts, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney or your local probate court.

Helpful Hints

• Start with the deed and title: confirm how the property is owned before you plan a buyout.
• Get an appraisal so all parties see the same value baseline.
• Use a written agreement — verbal buyouts create disputes.
• Work with a title company or attorney to handle deed drafting and recording.
• Check for probate requirements early; delaying court filings can slow or invalidate transfers.
• Consider refinancing if you need cash to buy out siblings — coordinate timing with the closing.
• If one sibling refuses to sell, be prepared for a partition action and the possibility of a forced sale.
• Keep communications civil and document offers and counteroffers in writing to help the probate court, if involved, see good-faith attempts to settle.