Probate in Connecticut · 9 counties
Connecticut Probate Courts
Estates here go through the Probate Court (54 Regional Probate Court Districts). Pick a county on the map or search below — each record shows where to file and where every detail comes from.
Small-estate limit
$40,000
Wait 30 days
Death taxes
Yes
Estate tax over $15 million
Executor fee
Reasonable
Reasonable fee set by the court
Handwritten wills
No
Witnesses required
Plate · CT
Every Connecticut county, on one map
Population, low → high Green = county courthouse mapped in OpenStreetMap Green = probate office details checked on the court's own website courthouse 9 jurisdictions are not drawn (boundaries changed after 2020).
§ I
Connecticut probate rules
- Court
- Probate Court (54 Regional Probate Court Districts)Connecticut operates 54 regional Probate Courts serving 169 towns. Probate judges oversee wills, decedents' estates, conservatorships, and trust administration.
- Small estates
- $40,000 solely owned personal property (C.G.S. § 45a-273); filed with Probate Court; decree not issued until 30 days after affidavit copy sent to Dept. of Administrative ServicesConn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-273
- Filing the will
- Custodian must deliver will to Probate Court forthwith after learning of death; penalties if not delivered within 30 days (C.G.S. § 45a-282)
- Creditor claims
- Claims should be presented within 150 days from the appointment of the first fiduciary; fiduciary not personally liable for late claimsConn. Gen. Stat. §§ 45a-354 to 45a-357
- Executor fees
- Reasonable compensation approved by the Probate Court; fees generally range from 2% to 4% depending on estate sizeConn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-364 · calculator
- Estate tax
- Yes — exemption $15 millionConnecticut estate tax exemption is $15 million for 2026 decedents (tracks federal basic exclusion); 12% flat rate on excess; CT also has a gift tax.
- Inheritance tax
- NoneConnecticut repealed its succession tax.
- Typical duration
- 6 to 12 months
- Official courts site
- ctprobate.govCase search: Connecticut Probate Court Case Search (TurboCourt / CT Probate Portal)
Re-checked Sept 2026 against: portal.ct.gov · cga.ct.gov · cohenandwolf.com
Need help with an estate in Connecticut?
Where to get help.
We don't sell leads or take referral fees. Eligibility, availability and fees depend on the provider; confirm them directly.
- 01 Connecticut courts — self-help & formsOfficial judiciary website: forms, filing rules and e-filing.
- 02 Legal aid directory — LawHelp.orgNonprofit directory of free and low-cost legal aid by state, including probate and estates.
- 03 Find a probate lawyer — American Bar AssociationState-by-state links to bar lawyer-referral services and pro bono programs.
§ II · Register
All 9 counties
Sorted by population. office checked = probate office address/phone confirmed on the court's own website. courthouse mapped = located in OpenStreetMap.
| # | County | Seat | Population | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capitol Planning Region | Hartford | 975,328 | county site |
| 2 | Western Connecticut Planning Region | Danbury | 623,907 | county site |
| 3 | South Central Connecticut Planning Region | New Haven | 568,158 | county site |
| 4 | Naugatuck Valley Planning Region | Waterbury | 456,128 | county site |
| 5 | Greater Bridgeport Planning Region | Bridgeport | 327,651 | county site |
| 6 | Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region | Norwich | 279,634 | county site |
| 7 | Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region | Middletown | 176,215 | county site |
| 8 | Northwest Hills Planning Region | Torrington | 113,463 | county site |
| 9 | Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region | Danielson | 96,692 | county site |
§ III
Connecticut probate questions
What is the small estate affidavit limit in Connecticut?
$40,000 solely owned personal property (C.G.S. § 45a-273); filed with Probate Court; decree not issued until 30 days after affidavit copy sent to Dept. of Administrative Services (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-273). It can be used 30 days after death. Applies when decedent owned no real property (other than survivorship real estate) and personal property does not exceed $40,000.
How are executor and administrator fees calculated in Connecticut?
Reasonable compensation approved by the Probate Court; fees generally range from 2% to 4% depending on estate size (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-364). Courts can award more for extraordinary services, such as running a business or litigation.
What is the creditor claim deadline for estates in Connecticut?
Claims should be presented within 150 days from the appointment of the first fiduciary; fiduciary not personally liable for late claims (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 45a-354 to 45a-357). Claims filed after the deadline are generally barred.
Does Connecticut recognize handwritten (holographic) wills?
No — witnesses are required. Connecticut does NOT recognize unwitnessed holographic wills executed in CT; requires two attesting witnesses.
Does Connecticut have a state estate tax or inheritance tax?
Yes, Connecticut taxes estates above $15 million. Connecticut estate tax exemption is $15 million for 2026 decedents (tracks federal basic exclusion); 12% flat rate on excess; CT also has a gift tax. There is no inheritance tax.