What to do if a proposed administrator is withholding estate assets and documents (Connecticut)

Short answer: In Connecticut you have multiple steps you can take right away: make a written demand for records, request the probate court to order the administrator to produce an inventory and account, and—if necessary—ask the court to remove the administrator or surcharge them for mismanagement or conversion. If you suspect criminal conduct, you may also report it to law enforcement. This page explains those options, how to use them, and where to find Connecticut probate resources.

Detailed answer — your rights and the practical next steps under Connecticut law

This guidance assumes you are an interested person under Connecticut probate law (for example, a surviving spouse, heir, beneficiary named in a will, or a creditor). It is educational information only and not legal advice. If you need case-specific advice, consult a probate attorney in Connecticut.

1. Who has the right to see estate records?

Interested persons generally have a right to basic probate documents: the decedent’s will, the letters of administration or testamentary (the official document that shows who is acting for the estate), inventories of estate property, and periodic accountings filed with the probate court. The administrator (or executor) acts as a fiduciary and must manage estate assets in good faith for the benefit of the estate’s creditors and beneficiaries.

2. Make a clear, written demand first

Send a written request by certified mail or email (if they use it) asking for specific items: copy of the letters of administration/testamentary, a current inventory of estate assets, bank statements for estate accounts, a list of major transactions, and any filed accountings.
Keep copies of your correspondence and proof of delivery. A clear record helps the probate judge if you must seek court intervention.

3. If the administrator refuses, involve the probate court

If your written demand fails, you can ask the probate court to intervene. Common court actions include:

Petition for an accounting / motion to compel production: Ask the court to order the administrator to file an inventory and formal account (showing receipts, disbursements, and assets). Probate courts supervise fiduciaries and can compel disclosure and documentation.
Request for citation or notice: If the administrator is not cooperating, the court can issue citations or notices to compel compliance or schedule a hearing.
Petition for removal: If the administrator is willfully withholding records, mismanaging assets, or otherwise breaching fiduciary duties, you can ask the court to remove the administrator and appoint a successor fiduciary.
Surcharge or accounting action: If the court finds losses or wrongful conduct, it can surcharge (require payment by) the administrator for losses to the estate.

Connecticut’s probate courts exercise supervisory authority over fiduciaries and estate administration. For general probate information and local probate court contacts see the Connecticut Judicial Branch Probate Court pages: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/.

4. Timing and practical issues

Inventories and accountings have timing rules. The administrator is expected to inventory estate assets and provide accounts—if they have filed nothing with the court, a petition to compel will typically lead to a scheduling of a hearing.
Bring documentation of your status as an interested person (copy of the will if you have it, notices you received, relationship to the decedent).
Be realistic about costs and time: contested probate matters can take months and may require attorney fees; the court can sometimes shift costs if the administrator acted improperly.

5. When to consider other remedies

Civil action: If the court determines the administrator converted property or committed fraud, you may pursue civil claims such as breach of fiduciary duty or conversion.
Criminal referral: If you have clear evidence of theft or embezzlement, you may report the conduct to law enforcement. Criminal prosecution is separate from probate actions.
Temporary relief: If the estate is at immediate risk (e.g., assets are being dissipated), you can ask the probate court for emergency relief such as a temporary injunction, an order freezing accounts, or appointment of a temporary trustee).

6. How to prepare your papers for the probate court

Include a short statement of your relationship to the decedent and why you are an interested person.
Attach copies of any written requests you already made to the administrator and their responses (if any).
List the documents and information you are requesting (letters, inventory, accountings, bank statements, major contracts, disposition records).
State the relief you seek (order to produce records, accounting, removal, surcharge, temporary freeze).
File the petition with the probate court where the estate is open. If you are unsure which court, contact the probate court clerk for the decedent’s last residence; court contact info is on the Connecticut Judicial Branch site above.

7. Costs, attorney help, and representation

You can represent yourself, but probate matters often involve technical procedures and evidentiary standards. An attorney who handles Connecticut probate and estate litigation can explain the probable timeline, the cost of filing petitions, and which remedies have the best chance of success. If the administrator acted improperly, the court may order them to pay legal costs.

8. Where to find Connecticut statutes and forms

Connecticut’s statutes and probate resources are available online:

Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate Court information and forms: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/
Connecticut General Assembly — statutes (search Title 45a and probate-related sections): https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/

When you file a petition in probate you will usually use local probate court forms; the Judicial Branch probate pages list common forms and clerk contact details.

Helpful Hints

Start with a written demand and keep proof of delivery. Courts like to see you attempted to resolve disputes informally first.
Ask for the letters of administration/testamentary first. That document proves who may lawfully act for the estate.
Be specific in your requests. Instead of saying “all documents,” list the records you need: bank statements, appraisals, sale contracts, receipts, tax returns.
Note deadlines. Probate petitions and objections often have time limits—don’t delay unnecessarily.
If assets are being spent or transferred out of state, tell the probate clerk—ask for immediate temporary orders if you believe the estate is at risk.
Document everything: emails, phone calls, receipts, and bank notices. Clear evidence helps a court order relief or removal.
Consider mediation if the conflict is primarily about distribution. Probate courts sometimes encourage settlement to avoid costly litigation.
Contact a Connecticut probate attorney if the administrator resists court orders or you suspect fraud. An attorney can file the necessary petitions, present evidence, and ask for remedies such as removal or surcharge.

Quick checklist — what to do now

Send a written request for the letters and inventory (certified mail/email with read receipt).
If no response in a reasonable time (e.g., 10–14 days), contact the probate clerk and ask how to file a petition to compel an accounting.
Gather evidence showing your status as an interested person.
If assets appear threatened, ask the court for emergency relief and consider contacting an attorney right away.

Disclaimer

This article is educational information about Connecticut probate procedures and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney‑client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney who handles probate and estate matters.