An experienced Connecticut probate lawyer can also advise you on strategies for achieving the results you want with your will.Ĭan an heir or beneficiary witness my will?Īn heir at law can witness (sign) your will, but it is bad practice for them to do so. Poor wording, errors or unclear meaning can result in voiding all or part of a will. While state law doesn’t require that you have a lawyer help you with a will, it is highly advisable, especially for individuals with complex estates or complex distribution desires. I need a lawyer to make a will in Connecticut? If their is no surving spouse, children of the decedent, surviving parents or siblings of the decedent then the estate will be divided amongst "next of kin". Children of the deceased may share equally up to one-half (1/2) of the estate.
Only where there are no children or survining parents of the deased will the spouse inherit the entire estate. The spouse may only get one-half (1/2) of the estate in some cases. State law will distribute your estate differently depending on your marital status and whether or not you had or did not have children. If no valid will can be proved in probate court, then the deceased’s estate is determined to be intestate and property and money of the estate is distributed according to state law. What happens if I die in Connecticut without a valid will? Common Questions About Wills in Connecticut But a holographic will made in a state that allows them, will be valid in Connecticut if it is probated here. For example, Connecticut does not permit a “holographic” will, which is one not signed by witnesses, if it was made in Connecticut. This applies even if it does not adhere to all the requirements listed above. If your will was made in another state, Connecticut law will permit it to be valid as long as it conforms to the laws of the state in which it was made. The will must name at least one beneficiary to receive your estate.Two witnesses, who saw you sign the will, must also sign your will and be in your presence as they do so.You must sign your will in front of two witnesses (Note that your witnesses should not be anyone who will receive a portion of your estate unless they are also an heir as described below).You must be of sound mind and capable of reasoning and decision making.You, the testator making the will, must be at least 18 years old.
To make sure your will is valid in Connecticut, if it is made in Connecticut, it must meet the following requirements: If your will is not proven as valid, probate court will distribute your estate according to the provision of law. This is especially true if you want to leave money or property to someone who is not your spouse, child or grandchild, such as a close friend, an unmarried partner, or an organization. But if your will is not valid when it is entered into probate, there’s no guarantee that your estate will pass to your chosen recipients or that it will be divided according to your desires. Wills are made to ensure that the property and money you’ve accumulated over the years goes to the people you want to receive it and not to anyone you don’t want to receive it.