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Connecticut probate & estate administration

Probate, without the guesswork.

You’ve been named executor, or you’re about to be. Here’s how Connecticut probate actually works, and where an attorney earns their keep.

Talk to a probate attorney Or call (860) 603-2258
The court work

The job, off your list.

  1. Opening the estate

    Filing the petition with the probate court and getting letters testamentary (or letters of administration, if there’s no will) issued in your name.

  2. The deadlines

    The inventory, the accounting, the notices to heirs and creditors. The court sets the clock; we keep it.

  3. Creditor claims

    Sorting what’s owed, what’s disputed, and what has to be paid before the estate can close.

Our attorneys handle the filings, deadlines, and court.

The court part, off your plate.
Probate & estate administration · Connecticut

If the estate owns a house.

The path

Probate first, then the sale.

In most cases, a house owned by the estate moves through probate before it can be sold, and the sale carries estate liens that must be released before the buyer gets clear title. We handle that path. Closings are the firm’s everyday work.

Selling before it closes

Usually not, and here is why.

In most cases, no. The house typically has to move through probate first, and the court’s approval is usually still required even if the will already gives the executor the power to sell.

If the sale itself is the question, see our estate and probate property sales page for what the closing needs. This is general information about how Connecticut probate works, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Reach out to discuss yours.

A steadier way through.

Tell us what’s going on

A short call, not a form marathon. We’ll ask what happened, whether there’s a will, and where things stand with the court so far.

We take over the paperwork

Petitions, letters, notices, the inventory: we handle the filings and track what the court has due, and when.

We keep you posted, in plain English

You’ll know what’s been filed, what’s next, and anything we need from you.

Questions people ask first.

Five common questions from executors and administrators. If yours is not here, just ask.

What does probate help cost?
On the first call we’ll give you a straight answer about what our involvement would cost for your estate specifically, not a vague percentage.
How long does probate take in Connecticut?
It depends on what’s in the estate: whether there’s a house or other real property, whether the heirs agree, and how quickly creditor claims resolve. Once we know what’s involved, we can give you a realistic sense of your timeline.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Connecticut?
Not always. Very small, straightforward estates may qualify for a simplified process using the court’s own forms. Once there’s real property, disagreement among heirs, or you’re just not sure what you’re looking at, an attorney can help you avoid a mistake that costs more to fix later.
What are “letters testamentary”?
The document the probate court issues that gives the executor named in a will the legal authority to act for the estate: access accounts, deal with property, handle creditors. If there’s no will, the court appoints someone and issues a similar document called letters of administration.
Can the house be sold before probate is finished?
In most cases, no. The house typically has to move through probate first, and the court’s approval is usually still required even if the will already gives the executor the power to sell.

Further reading: selling a house in an estate, what Connecticut sellers pay at closing, and questions we get asked most.

The firm, in figures
Connecticut closings 10,000+
Years serving CT 15+
CT offices statewide 4
Google review rating 4.8

We respond within one business day.

Tell us a few details about the estate. A member of the team will follow up with next steps.

Tell us where things stand.

You don’t need to have the estate figured out before you call. Tell us whether there’s a will, roughly what’s involved, and where things stand with the court so far. We’ll tell you what happens next.

Talk to a probate attorney
Probate & estate administration · Connecticut (860) 603-2258

Or write hello@mancusocarey.com. Calls answered Mon to Fri.

Selling a house in an estate Questions we get asked most
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