Detailed Answer
Connecticut probate courts oversee estate administration, will probate and fiduciary appointments. When you file a petition under Conn. Gen. Stat. §45a-725, the court should set a hearing date. If no date is set, you must take these steps to request and schedule a hearing.
1. Identify the Appropriate Statutes and Forms
Use the petition forms approved by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. For will probate, see Conn. Gen. Stat. §45a-725. For appointment of a personal representative, see Conn. Gen. Stat. §45a-132. The statutes also require notice periods: Conn. Gen. Stat. §45a-95 mandates at least five days’ notice for probating a will, and Conn. Gen. Stat. §45a-107 requires at least five days’ notice for fiduciary appointment.
2. File or Supplement Your Petition
Submit your petition or a “Motion to Schedule Hearing” in the probate district where the decedent resided. Include the case number, nature of the matter and proposed hearing length. If you already filed, attach a cover letter requesting a hearing date.
3. Serve Notice to Interested Parties
After filing, serve the notice of hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries and known creditors. Use forms such as the Notice of Hearing (Judicial Branch Form PC-442). Proof of service must be filed with the court clerk in compliance with statutory notice requirements.
4. Contact the Probate Court Clerk
Call or visit the probate clerk’s office to confirm receipt of your petition and to request the next available hearing date. Clerks typically schedule hearings within 30 days of a valid request.
Helpful Hints
- Verify the probate district for filing at ctprobate.gov.
- Use the Judicial Branch website for updated forms.
- Keep copies of all filed documents and proof of service.
- Request a docket sheet to track scheduled events.
- Consider certified mail for serving notices.