Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Connecticut law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Detailed Answer
Applying to serve as the personal representative (also called executor or administrator) of an estate in Connecticut follows a structured process. You start by identifying the correct probate court and end with letters of administration or testamentary. Here’s what you need to know:
- Identify the Proper Probate Court
File your petition in the probate district where the decedent was domiciled at death. Find your district court at the Connecticut Probate Court Directory. - Prepare and File the Petition
Complete a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative (if a will exists) or a Petition for Administration (if there is no will). Submit the original will (if any) and a certified copy of the death certificate. You pay the filing fee at this time. - Notify Interested Parties
Under Connecticut Gen. Stat. § 45a-273 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/CGS%2045a-273.htm), you must notify heirs, devisees and known creditors. The court typically requires proof of service at least seven days before the hearing. - Post Surety Bond (if required)
If the will does not waive bond or the court deems a bond necessary, you post a surety bond per Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-278 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/CGS%2045a-278.htm). Bond amounts depend on estate value. - Attend the Probate Hearing
The court schedules a hearing, often within 20–30 days of filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition, will validity (if any), bond and service of notice. - Receive Letters of Administration or Testamentary
After approval, the court issues “letters” that authorize you to manage and distribute the estate. You generally receive these within one to two weeks post-hearing under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-275 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/CGS%2045a-275.htm). - File Inventory and Final Account
Within four months, file an inventory of estate assets with the probate court as required by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-306 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/CGS%2045a-306.htm). Submit a final accounting when administration concludes normally within 12–18 months.
Typical Timeline
- Day 0–5: Locate probate district, gather will, death certificate and beneficiary information.
- Day 5–10: Prepare and file petition; pay court fees.
- Day 10–20: Serve notices to interested parties.
- Day 20–50: Attend hearing; court issues letters.
- Within 4 months: File estate inventory.
- Within 12–18 months: File final account and close the estate.
Helpful Hints
- Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate early.
- Confirm all heirs’ and devisees’ current mailing addresses.
- Review the will carefully to note any bond waiver provisions.
- Prepare a rough estate inventory before filing to estimate bond and fees.
- Keep organized records of notices served and court filings.
- Consider consulting a probate attorney for complex estates or disputes.