Connecticut — How to Get Appointed Administrator of a Parent’s Estate (No Will)

Short overview: When someone dies without a will (intestate) in Connecticut, the Probate Court appoints a personal representative—commonly called an administrator—to collect the estate’s assets, pay debts, and distribute what remains under Connecticut’s intestacy rules. The Probate Court for the decedent’s residence supervises the process and issues the legal papers you need to act for the estate.

Who can be appointed?

Connecticut gives priority to close family members. In practice, the typical order is: surviving spouse, adult children, parents, siblings, and other next of kin. Any adult who has an interest in the estate can petition the Probate Court to be appointed. If multiple people apply, the court decides who is most suitable or may allow the interested parties to agree on who will serve.

Step-by-step: How to get appointed as administrator

1. Locate the correct Probate Court. File your petition in the Probate Court for the town where your father lived at the time of death. Use the Connecticut Judicial Branch Probate Court locator if you are unsure: https://www.jud.ct.gov/websites/probate/.
2. Prepare and file a Petition for Appointment. Complete the Probate Court forms to ask to be appointed administrator (forms and instructions are available from the Probate Court). The petition asks basic facts: the decedent’s name, date of death, heirs, and a statement that there is no valid will being probated. The Probate Court website has forms and local contact information: https://www.jud.ct.gov/websites/probate/.
3. Provide required documents. Expect to submit a certified death certificate, your ID, a list of known heirs and their contact information, and a basic inventory of the decedent’s assets and debts if available. The court may ask for additional documents depending on the estate’s complexity.
4. Notice to interested persons. The court will require that other heirs and interested parties receive notice of the petition. That gives them a chance to object to your appointment if they choose.
5. Bond requirement. The Probate Court may require the administrator to post a fiduciary bond (insurance that protects the estate). Sometimes the bond can be waived by the court or by agreement of the heirs. Ask the Probate Court clerk whether a bond will be required in your case.
6. Hearing and appointment. The court schedules a hearing or issues an appointment after review. If there are no contests and the court is satisfied, it signs Letters of Administration (or similar document) that officially name you as the estate’s administrator and give you authority to act.
7. Acting as administrator. Once appointed, your duties include securing assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, filing an inventory/account with the court when required, and distributing the estate to heirs according to Connecticut’s intestacy rules.

Key legal rules and where to read them

Probate procedure, appointments, and fiduciary duties are governed by Connecticut’s probate statutes and Probate Court rules. For the statutory framework and official forms, start here:

• Connecticut Judicial Branch – Probate Courts general information and forms: https://www.jud.ct.gov/websites/probate/
• Connecticut General Assembly – statutes related to probate (see Title 45a and related provisions): https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/title_45a.htm

What to expect on timing and cost

Simple, uncontested appointments can be completed in a few weeks. More complicated estates or contested petitions take longer. Expect modest Probate Court filing fees and possible bond costs. If an attorney assists you, plan for attorney fees as well. The exact timeline and cost depend on the size of the estate, whether creditors emerge, and whether heirs agree on an administrator.

Common issues and how to handle them

• Contested appointment: Other heirs may object. The court will decide based on who best protects estate interests and follows statutory priority.
• Unknown assets or debts: Do a thorough search for bank accounts, property records, life insurance, and outstanding debts. As administrator you must gather assets and identify liabilities before distribution.
• Small estates: Some assets can be transferred without full probate if they fall under small‑estate procedures. Ask the Probate Court if you qualify for an expedited process.
• Bond problems: If you cannot afford a bond, heirs can sometimes waive bond or provide an alternative. Discuss options early with the court.

When to consider hiring an attorney

If the estate is complex (real estate, business interests, significant debts, or tax questions), if heirs disagree about who should serve, or if you face creditor lawsuits, a probate attorney can help protect your responsibilities and keep you compliant with court rules and deadlines. The Probate Court can answer form and filing questions but cannot give legal advice.

Final steps after appointment

• Obtain certified letters or paperwork from the Probate Court to prove your authority to banks and other institutions.
• Open a bank account for the estate if needed.
• File required inventories/accounts with the court and follow court directions on distribution to heirs.
• Keep detailed records of all actions, receipts, and distributions. You may need to file a final accounting with the Probate Court.

Important resources:

• Connecticut Probate Courts (locator, contacts, and general info): https://www.jud.ct.gov/websites/probate/
• Connecticut General Assembly – probate statutes (Title 45a): https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/title_45a.htm

Disclaimer: This article explains general Connecticut probate practice. It is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change. For advice about your specific situation, contact the Probate Court or consult a licensed Connecticut probate attorney.