Quick summary — key steps to take right away

1. Document what happened: dates, items taken, photos, text or email messages, and witnesses.
2. Check the probate file: confirm whether the estate is open, who is the personal representative (executor/administrator), and what inventory/accounting has been filed with the probate court.
3. Tell the personal representative in writing and ask for a formal demand that estate property be returned to the estate.
4. If the personal representative won’t or can’t resolve it, ask the probate court to intervene (petition for turnover or for an accounting).
5. If necessary, consider a civil action (replevin or conversion) or a criminal report for theft, after consulting an attorney.

Detailed answer — what Connecticut law allows and how to proceed

When an estate is still open, the personal representative (often called the executor or administrator) holds legal responsibility to collect and preserve estate assets, pay debts, and distribute assets according to the will or Connecticut intestacy law. If an heir takes estate property without authorization, the estate (through the personal representative) and interested parties have several remedies under Connecticut procedure.

1. Confirm the estate status and who has authority

Start by checking the probate court file for the decedent’s estate to see what documents and filings exist (letters testamentary/administration naming the personal representative, inventories, accountings, petitions). The Connecticut Probate Courts handle estate administration. You can find general probate information here: Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate Courts. If a personal representative is already appointed, that person has the duty to control and account for estate property.

2. Communicate and make a formal demand

Send a written demand (certified mail or other traceable method) to the heir who has the property and to the personal representative. Tell them you believe the item(s) are estate property, describe the items, and request return within a set period (e.g., 10–14 days). Keep copies of all communications.

3. Ask the personal representative to act

The personal representative must safeguard estate assets. If the heir claims a gift or that the property is theirs, the personal representative should investigate and either accept the claim (with documentation) or seek return of the property on behalf of the estate. If the personal representative refuses or fails to act, interested parties can ask the probate court to compel action.

4. Petition the probate court for relief

If informal steps fail, file a petition with the probate court handling the estate. Typical probate petitions include a request for an accounting, a petition to compel turnover of estate property, and, if appropriate, a petition to surcharge (hold liable) the personal representative if they failed in their duties.

The probate court has authority to resolve disputes about estate property while the estate remains open and can order the return of assets to the estate, order an accounting, or remove a personal representative for misconduct. For general probate procedures and forms, see: Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate Courts.

5. Civil remedies outside probate: replevin, conversion, or small claims

If the probate process is not resolving the issue, the estate (through the personal representative) may have remedies in Connecticut Superior Court. Common civil actions include:

• Replevin (recover possession of wrongfully taken property).
• Tort claims for conversion or civil theft seeking money damages.
• Small claims court for lower-value items (follow small claims limits and procedures).

Use civil remedies when immediate recovery of property is necessary or when the probate court cannot provide the remedy sought. A Connecticut Superior Court clerk or an attorney can explain how to start these actions.

6. Criminal options

If the heir intentionally stole estate property, criminal charges (theft) may be possible. Criminal prosecution is handled by law enforcement and the state’s attorney. Reporting to the police will not automatically return property, but it may be part of an overall strategy, especially for clear intentional theft.

7. Preservation of evidence and costs

Preserve all evidence (photos, communications, witnesses). Keep a list of items and estimated values. Be aware that pursuing court actions has time and cost implications: filing fees, possible attorney fees, and court timelines. Sometimes a demand letter from an attorney prompts return without litigation.

8. Deadlines and statute of limitations

Statutes of limitations for civil claims differ by cause of action (conversion, replevin, or theft); you should consult an attorney promptly so you don’t miss important deadlines. Probate disputes also have procedural timelines for filing petitions in the probate court.

Where to get forms and official information

• Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate Courts (information and local probate contact info): https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/
• Connecticut General Assembly — statutes and laws (search for probate statutes and civil remedies): https://www.cga.ct.gov/

Helpful hints

• Act quickly. The longer property remains with an heir, the harder recovery may be.
• Keep communication professional and documented. Avoid confrontations or threats.
• Check whether the heir has a documented gift, sale, or transfer—if bona fide and prior to death, they may have a defense.
• If you are the personal representative, file required inventories and accountings on time. A filed inventory helps prove which items belong to the estate.
• Consider mediation or a probate court hearing before starting expensive litigation.
• If the value is small, a demand letter or small claims action may be faster and cheaper than full litigation.
• Consult a Connecticut attorney experienced in probate and civil litigation to evaluate the best path—probate petition vs. replevin vs. criminal report.