Detailed Answer

Short answer: In Connecticut, a personal representative (executor or administrator) can confirm a probate case is finished by obtaining the probate court’s closing order or discharge and by collecting certified or written confirmations that each asset was transferred into the trust’s name or into the trustee’s control. That means: (1) get the court paperwork that shows the estate administration is closed, and (2) obtain documentary proof from each institution or the land records that the trust now owns the former estate assets.

Step 1 — Confirm the probate proceeding is complete

Request the court’s closing documents. Ask the probate court for the final order, decree of distribution, or written notation on the docket that the account was allowed and the estate was discharged. In Connecticut, probate courts maintain the case file and will issue certified copies or a docket printout showing final actions. See the Connecticut Judicial Branch probate information: jud.ct.gov/probate.
Obtain Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary and any certificate of discharge. If you already hold letters, confirm the court entered an order closing the estate or allowing the final account. These documents prove the representative’s authority and the court’s acceptance of the final accounting.
Verify the approved final account. Many estates end only after the probate court approves a final account and authorizes distribution. Request a certified copy of that approval and any accompanying order directing distribution to beneficiaries or to a trust.
Check the docket and file for residual items. The probate clerk can show whether any petitions, appeals, or outstanding objections remain. Ask for a written statement or certified docket entry that there are no pending matters.

Step 2 — Confirm trust funding (assets retitled to the trust)

“Funding” a trust means the trust owns the assets (or the trustee controls them). For each category of asset, get documentary proof that the transfer occurred:

Real estate: A recorded deed showing the trustee (by name and as trustee of the trust) as grantee. Check the town land records where the property sits and obtain a certified copy of the recorded deed.
Bank accounts: Bank statements or a bank letter showing the account is titled in the name of the trust (for example, “John Doe, Trustee of the Jane Doe Trust dated MM/DD/YYYY”). If funds were transferred from an estate account to a trust account, get confirmation of that transfer.
Brokerage and securities: Account statements or a transfer agent confirmation showing registration under the trustee’s name or the trust name, or a brokerage confirmation that the account is now a trust account.
Vehicles: A reissued title showing the trustee or trust as owner, or the DMV record reflecting transfer to the trust.
Life insurance and retirement accounts: Beneficiary designation forms on file with the insurer or plan administrator showing the trust as beneficiary, or letters from the plan administrator confirming payout instructions. Note: retirement assets have special tax rules—consult a tax advisor.
Personal property and other assets: Bills of sale, assignment documents, or written confirmations from holders that the asset was delivered to trust control.

Practical checklist a personal representative should follow

Gather the probate closing order, certified docket, and any letters showing the estate was discharged.
Make a list of every asset that must move to the trust.
Contact each institution (bank, brokerage, insurance company, town clerk) and request written confirmation that the asset is now held by the trust or that the transfer is complete.
Obtain recorded deeds from the land records for real property.
Keep originals and certified copies of transfer documents in the trust file.
If an asset cannot be retitled (for example, payable-on-death accounts or certain retirement plans), keep documentation explaining why and show how the asset will be distributed to the trust or beneficiaries.
Ask the probate clerk to confirm there are no pending motions, appeals, or claims that would reopen the matter.

When to get professional help

If institutions refuse to transfer assets, if title problems arise, or if the transfer involves complex tax or creditor issues, seek help from a Connecticut attorney who practices probate, estate administration, or trust law. Probate rules and trust administration can interact in ways that create liability for a personal representative or trustee. The Connecticut Judicial Branch and the Connecticut General Statutes govern these procedures; see general probate statutes at the Connecticut General Assembly: Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 45a (Probate & Estates).

Common problems and how to spot them

Missing recorded deed for a property that was supposed to move to the trust: check town land records and demand recording confirmation.
Bank or broker claims they need court direction: provide certified probate orders and letters; you may need a court order instructing the transfer.
Beneficiary designations still list individuals, not the trust: collect the insurer’s or plan administrator’s confirmation and update forms when appropriate.

Statutes and official resources

Connecticut operates a county-based probate system with local probate courts. For official information and to access local probate court contacts and forms, visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch probate pages: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/. For statutory guidance on probate matters, see the Connecticut General Assembly’s statutes on probate and estates: Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 45a.

Bottom line

Closing an estate and funding a trust require (1) court confirmation that the estate administration is finished and (2) documentary proof that each asset was transferred into the trust or placed under the trustee’s control. Keep certified court documents, recorded deeds, institutional transfer confirmations, and account statements in the trust record. If you encounter refusals or complex tax issues, consult a Connecticut attorney for guidance.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Connecticut procedures and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For advice tailored to a specific situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.

Helpful Hints

Ask the probate clerk for a certified docket printout to prove the case is closed.
Obtain certified copies of the probate closing order for banks and title companies—these documents speed institutional cooperation.
Record deeds promptly. Land records are public and provide conclusive proof of transfer of real property.
Keep a simple funding ledger listing each asset, date of transfer, method of transfer, and a copy of the confirmation.
For retirement accounts, check beneficiary forms first—transfers to a trust have tax consequences and may require plan-specific handling.
If an institution refuses to accept letters or a court order would help, ask your probate clerk how to file a petition for clarifying order.
When in doubt, document communications in writing (email or letter) and keep copies of every confirmation.