Connecticut Estate Administration and Probate

Estate Planning Attorneys in ConnecticutWhen a loved one dies, as difficult as it may be to move on, eventually, move on we all must. Moving on inevitably requires winding up the affairs of the family member or friend who has died. In Connecticut this means dealing with the Probate Court because that is the Court that handles the winding up of a decedent’s affairs.  Whether the winding up process requires full Probate Court administration, an expedited short form Probate Court administration, or nothing more than the filing of a Connecticut Estate Tax Return, you can count on us to get the job done sensitively, efficiently, and expeditiously.

We successfully have probated many hundreds of estates in many different Connecticut Probate Courts. We know the Courts, what needs to be done, and we know how to get it done efficiently. We know, from our own personal experiences, what it feels like when you lose a loved family member or friend: it is wrenching, it is painful, it is disruptive, and, even though it gets easier over time, it never really goes away.

You can count on us to listen to what you say and be sensitive about your loss, but, at the same time, guide you quickly and easily through what needs to be done to wind up the affairs of your loved family member or friend.

Seven Myths & Truths about Living Trusts

We posted this blog post many years ago, but, it is worth repeating.  We often get questions from clients and colleagues who are confused about what exactly a Living Trust is and the advantages and limitations of incorporating a Living Trust in an estate plan. A...

What do I need to report on a Connecticut Estate Tax Return that is filed with the Probate Court?

More than you may think! Solely owned assets that don’t have designated beneficiaries. Examples are solely owned real property, solely owned financial institution accounts, solely owned United States Savings Bonds, and solely owned shares of stock. Jointly owned...

New Year, New Numbers for 2018

Estate and Gift Tax: The federal lifetime exemption for property passing to non-spouse beneficiaries has been increased to $11,200,000.00. The Connecticut lifetime exemption for property passing to non-spouse beneficiaries has been increased to $2,600,000.00. There is...

Learn about Connecticut Wills, Living Trusts, Probate, and Long Term Care from our Attorneys

Do you have questions about Connecticut Wills, Living Trusts, Probate, or Long Term Care? We often write about Wills, Living Trusts, Probate matters, and other legal topics here on our blog and in our social media.  This Spring, we're offering classes so that we can...

Connecticut Estate Taxes: What is the Step-Up in Basis?

What is a step-up in basis for Connecticut Estate tax purposes?  Step-up in basis is the readjustment of the value of an appreciate asset that passes to someone at death.  It is important to calculate the step-up in basis for tax purposes.  The chart, below, helps...