If you and others inherited a house and one or more owners are minors, you usually cannot complete a sale without involvement by Connecticut probate courts. The court’s job is to protect minors’ property interests. This article explains the typical steps in Connecticut, what the court will look for, common documents you’ll need, and practical tips to move a sale forward while protecting children’s shares.

Key legal framework

Matters involving the administration of estates, guardianship of a minor’s property, and court supervision of sales are handled through Connecticut probate courts. See the Connecticut General Statutes covering probate and guardianship (Title 45a) for statutory authority and the Connecticut Judicial Branch for local probate procedures and forms: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/ and https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/.

Detailed answer — Typical step‑by‑step process

1. Identify how title passed

   Find out whether the house is owned by the estate (decedent left it in the will or intestacy) or whether title already passed directly to beneficiaries/co‑owners by deed, joint tenancy, or beneficiary deed. The required court steps depend on whether the property is still estate property or already in the co‑owners’ names.

2. Open probate (if the estate is not yet administered)

   If the property is part of the decedent’s estate, file a probate matter in the probate district where the decedent lived. Executors or administrators receive letters (authority) from the probate court. The executor/administrator usually must petition the probate court for permission to sell real property of the estate. The court will want a proposed sale contract, a current appraisal or other evidence of fair market value, and notice to interested parties.

3. If a co‑owner is a minor, get a guardian or conservator appointed for the minor’s property interest

   A minor cannot independently agree to sell real estate in Connecticut. The probate court must appoint a guardian of the minor’s estate (sometimes called a conservator) or approve a specific transaction. The guardian files a petition asking the court to approve the sale of the minor’s interest or to consent to the sale of the entire property on the minor’s behalf. The petition must describe the sale terms, why the sale is in the minor’s best interest, and provide valuation evidence.

4. Provide required notices and consider a guardian ad litem

   Connecticut courts frequently require notice to interested parties and sometimes the appointment of a guardian ad litem or independent attorney to represent the minor’s best interests in the sale proceeding. The court may order additional protections such as a separate appraisal or a bond for the guardian.

5. File a petition to sell (probate petition or motion)

   The fiduciary or the guardian files a petition in probate requesting permission to sell the property (or the minor’s share). The petition typically attaches the purchase agreement (if there is a buyer), appraisal(s), and proposed order. The court will schedule a hearing if necessary.

6. Attend the hearing and meet the court’s safeguards

   At the hearing the court examines whether the sale price is fair, whether the transaction is in the minor’s best interest, and whether all statutory safeguards (notice, appraisal, bond) are satisfied. The court can approve the sale, approve with conditions, or deny it. If the court approves, it issues an order directing how closing will proceed.

7. Close under court order

   Most closings require the probate court’s signed order authorizing the sale and specifying how proceeds for the minor will be handled. The court may require that the minor’s share be held in a blocked account, invested under court supervision, or paid to a guardian with bond. The fiduciary or guardian follows the court’s instructions at closing.

8. If co‑owners disagree, consider a partition or other remedy

   If one or more co‑owners refuse to cooperate, a co‑owner (usually an adult) may file a partition action in Connecticut Superior Court asking the court either to physically divide the property or to order a sale and division of proceeds. Partition actions are governed by Connecticut civil procedure (court rules and statutes). Partition becomes more complex when minors are involved and the probate court’s involvement may still be required for the minor’s share.

What the probate court will focus on

• Whether the proposed sale price is fair and supported by an appraisal or market evidence.
• Whether selling (vs. holding) is in the minor’s best interests (e.g., cash need, cost of upkeep, family situation).
• Whether the minor’s interests receive independent protection (guardian ad litem, separate counsel).
• How sale proceeds for a minor will be safeguarded (blocked account, trust, bond).
• Whether all statutory notice and procedure requirements were followed.

Documents commonly required

• Death certificate and will (if any).
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (if an executor/administrator is already appointed).
• Deed showing title, recent tax bill, mortgage statements.
• Signed purchase & sale agreement (if you have a buyer).
• Current appraisal(s) or broker price opinion.
• Petition to probate court requesting sale approval and supporting affidavits.
• Birth certificate for the minor and documents establishing relationship/guardianship status.

Timing and cost considerations

Expect additional time and cost when a minor is involved. Typical costs include appraisal fees, probate court filing fees, attorney fees for the fiduciary and possibly for independent counsel or guardian ad litem, and any bond premiums the court requires. The probate process and a contested hearing can add weeks to months to the timeline.

When to use Superior Court (partition) instead of probate

If co‑owners cannot agree and no workable probate solution exists, an adult co‑owner can file a partition action in Connecticut Superior Court to force sale or division. Partition cases are civil actions and follow a different court process. If minors hold an interest, the Superior Court case may interact with probate procedures to protect the minor’s share.

Practical checklist

1. Confirm how title passed (estate, deed, joint tenancy).
2. Get a current appraisal and basic payoff figures for mortgages and liens.
3. Open probate or confirm letters if needed.
4. If a minor is an owner, file for appointment of a guardian of the minor’s property or obtain court approval for the proposed sale.
5. Provide required notices and prepare for a probate hearing.
6. Obtain the court order approving the sale before closing.
7. Follow court instructions about safeguarding the minor’s proceeds post‑closing.

Helpful hints

• Start early: appraisals, petitions, and hearings take time; minors increase oversight.
• Use an attorney experienced in Connecticut probate and guardianship work—complexity and protective rules make mistakes costly.
• Consider an independent appraisal to avoid objections over price.
• If buyers are related parties (family members), disclose that to the court and be prepared to prove fairness.
• Expect the court to favor protections for the minor’s share (blocked account, trust, or bond rather than immediate unrestricted distribution).
• If a sale is urgent, explain the urgency to the court with supporting facts (e.g., falling market, urgent expenses), but be prepared for extra scrutiny.
• Keep detailed records and receipts—courts often require accounting of how proceeds are handled for minors.