Estate Planning in Connecticut
A Connecticut estate plan is a set of legal documents that controls what happens to your property, your health care, and your minor children if you become incapacitated or die. Without these documents, state law makes those decisions for you.
Connecticut has its own statutes governing each component of an estate plan. Some differ significantly from neighboring states, particularly New York. Execution requirements are strict: a will that fails to comply with CGS 45a-251 is invalid, regardless of the testator’s intent.
Core Estate Planning Documents
Will. Your will names who receives your property, who serves as executor, and who becomes guardian of your minor children. Connecticut requires two witnesses who sign in the testator’s presence. Read more about wills in Connecticut.
Power of Attorney. A durable power of attorney lets you name someone to handle your financial and legal affairs. Connecticut adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act in 2016 (CGS 1-350 et seq.), replacing the old Chapter 802e provisions. Read more about powers of attorney.
Health Care Directives. Connecticut combines a living will with the appointment of a health care representative (not “health care agent,” per the 2006 statutory change) into a single document under CGS 19a-575a. Read more about health care directives.
Additional Planning Topics
Surviving Spouse Rights. Connecticut’s elective share statute (CGS 45a-436) gives a surviving spouse the right to claim a life estate in one-third of the deceased spouse’s property passing under the will. This right cannot be defeated by will, though it can be waived by agreement. Read more about the elective share.
Planning for Families. Connecticut sets the UTMA age of majority at 21, not 18. Naming guardians for minor children, creating trusts, and coordinating beneficiary designations all require attention to Connecticut-specific rules. Read more about family estate planning.
Cross-Border Planning with New York. Residents of Fairfield County who work in New York, or who own property in both states, face different will execution requirements, different estate tax regimes, and incompatible power of attorney forms. A coordinated plan addresses both jurisdictions. Read more about NY-CT cross-border planning.