Connecticut Probate | Inheritance Advance in Connecticut

At Inheritance Funding, we understand losing a loved one is hard enough —the probate process doesn’t make it any easier. That’s why we’re on your side, helping you get the inheritance money you deserve as quickly as possible. We’ve been a trusted presence throughout the country for over 25 years, making us a company you can rely on.

How Long Is the Probate Process in Connecticut?

The state of Connecticut requires that when a resident passes away, the Probate Court must legally transfer their assets to the respective heirs through probate. Most heirs think Connecticut’s probate process seems straightforward on the surface, but it’s actually far more complicated than people assume.

Unfortunately, you cannot collect your inheritance from the estate until after probate has officially concluded. An executor has 14 days to notify creditors and publish notices after receiving approval for probate. Once the executor publishes this notice, the creditors will have 150 days to file a claim. With these two timelines in place, closing a probate case will take at least five months.

The length of a probate case can also vary depending on the size of your estate. If an heir or other relatives dispute the will, that conflict can cause the probate case to last even longer. These delays may prevent you from using your money for what you need until it’s too late.

Other factors that can impact the length of the probate process include:

• Non-probate assets: Assets like life insurance policies, retirement accounts and properties in joint tenancy can bypass the probate process. However, identifying these assets and managing them can still take some time.
• Value of the estate: If the estate’s value exceeds $40,000, it will need to complete a formal probate process, which is longer than an informal probate.
• Guardianship: If the deceased dies and there isn’t another spouse or a will to follow, the court will become involved in locating and placing the children with a guardian, which can delay the process.

How Much Does Probate Cost in Connecticut?

The final cost for probate will vary between estates based on factors such as:

• The estate size: After the law changed in 2015, all estates over $2 million must pay a flat rate for the probate process plus an additional .5% over the gross estate value over $2 million.
• The location of the estate: Different counties have different probate fees.
• Estate plans: If the estate has plans like a living trust or will, they can affect the overall probate price. Not having a will can also affect the cost as the court must settle and distribute assets.

How Do You Avoid Probate in Connecticut?

If the individual places their real estate assets into a living trust before they die, their heirs can avoid the Connecticut probate process. If a decedent places these assets in a trust, beneficiaries will automatically receive them after the individual’s death. Listing a beneficiary or creating a payable-on-death account also will automatically transfer ownership.

How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death in Connecticut?

An executor must complete all necessary filing for probate court within 30 days of the individual’s death, according to Title 45a-283. If an executor does not file within the allotted time, they will receive a fine. If the executor does not find a will within the required timeframe, they may file for probate in Connecticut at a later time.

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in Connecticut?

When a Connecticut resident dies without a will, the state will divide their estate according to intestacy laws. In addition to overseeing estate distribution, the Connecticut probate court will ensure the estate pays for all taxes and other expenses before transferring ownership to heirs and other relatives.

How to Determine Next of Kin in Connecticut

Intestate succession determines who inherits what percentages of your estate if you die without a will. In Connecticut, interstate succession laws are as follows based on who survives the decedent:

• Children and no spouse: The court will distribute all assets to the children.
• Spouse but no children or parents: The spouse inherits all assets.
• Spouse and children from you and that spouse: The court will distribute the first $100,000 of the intestate property and half of the remaining asset balance to the spouse. The children will inherit the remainder of the assets.
• Spouse and at least one descendant from you and someone other than that spouse: The spouse will inherit half of your property, and the descendants will inherit the rest of the assets.
• Spouse and parents: The first $100,000 of the intestate property and 3/4 of the remaining balance will go to the spouse while the parents inherit the remainder.
• Parents but no spouses or siblings: The parents will inherit the full inheritance.
• Siblings but no spouse, descendants or parents: The siblings will inherit all assets.

Steps to Settling an Estate in Connecticut

To complete the probate process in Connecticut, one will perform the following steps:

• Open probate: To open a probate case, one must file a petition with the local probate court to admit the will to probate. If there is a will, there will be a court-appointed executor or, if no will is available, an estate administrator.
• Notification: Once the personal representative completes the probate filing process, the court will notify all heirs to alert them of the deceased. Typically, notifying the heirs takes the form of an ad in the local newspaper.
• Inventory of the estate: The executor or administrator will then assemble, catalog and appraise all of the deceased’s assets to submit to the court.
• Payment of estate debts: Before distributing money from the estate to the heirs, the executor or administrator will pay any taxes or debts. If a creditor files a claim against the estate, the executor or administrator must review the claim before deciding to submit payment.
• Distribution of remaining assets: After paying all debts, the executor or administrator will distribute the remaining money to heirs. Distributing the remaining cash from the estate can take weeks or months, depending on the number of heirs.
• Closing probate: Once the executor or administrator distributes all assets, they must submit all documents to the court to formally close the probate. This final step can take a few weeks or months to complete.

Does Connecticut Have an Inheritance or Estate Tax?

Connecticut places a progressive tax rate on estates. These tax rates are payable on the value of the entire taxable estate, and the rates increase with the estate’s value. Individuals must pay estate taxes within six months of the estate owner’s death and may request a six-month extension if needed.

Spouses in Connecticut Inheritance Law

How much a spouse receives if an individual dies without a will depends on whether the deceased has living parents or descendants.

The state will divide the estate depending on the following relationships with the person who has died:

• Spouse and children from the decedent and that spouse: A spouse will receive the first $100,000 and half of the estate, while the children receive the remaining inheritance.
• Spouse and children from the decedent’s previous relationship: The spouse will receive half of the estate, and the children must split the remaining half equally.
• Spouse and parents but no children: The spouse will receive the first $100,000 and three-fourths of the remainder, while the parents receive the remaining quarter.
• Spouse but no parents or children: The spouse will receive the entire inheritance.
• Children but no spouse: The children will receive all assets.
• Parents but no spouse or children: The entire inheritance will go to the parents.
• Siblings but no spouse, parents or children: The siblings of the decedent must split the assets equally.
• Next of kin but no spouse, children, parents or siblings: The next of kin will receive the entire inheritance.

How Do I Collect My Inheritance Faster in CT?

If you’re feeling discouraged by the parameters of Connecticut probate, you’re not alone. Every heir feels entitled to their inheritance, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t. Luckily, you can still work outside the Probate Courts to collect your cash without delays, with a probate cash advance from Inheritance Funding.

Our probate cash advances give you a fast and painless way to access your share of the estate without the wait. When you work with Inheritance Funding, you’ll enjoy our streamlined process. To start, you’ll detail the basics of your inheritance, including the amount of money you want to receive. Next, we’ll give you some simple paperwork to complete and send you your cash as soon as that same day.

Where Can I Get a Probate Cash Advance in Connecticut?

At IFC, we’re inclusive about our services. That’s why we offer probate advances to heirs in any county in Connecticut, including:

• Fairfield County
• New Haven County
• New London County
• Hartford County
• Litchfield County
• Tolland County
• Middlesex County
• Windham County
• & ALL other counties

Take Control of Your Inheritance Money With IFC

If you’re itching to get away from the constraints of Connecticut probate, Inheritance Funding can help. We make accessing your inheritance easier than ever with our four-step process designed with heirs like you in mind. We’ll sit down with you for a free consultation and wire your money to you on approval.

As the largest and oldest probate advance company in the industry, we’re always striving to maintain our positive reputation by offering plenty of benefits to our clients:

• Competitive prices: We’ll beat any competing cash advance offer by providing the lowest price, guaranteed.
• No hidden fees: You’ll never receive additional expenses from us, and our services will not impact your fellow heirs.
• Risk-free process: Because we are not a lender, our services are 100% non-recourse.
• No credit checks: Unlike probate loan companies, we won’t use your employment history, credit score or income against you.
• Money for all your needs: You can use your cash for anything you desire with no limitations.
• Instant inheritance: Simply use your mobile device to complete our inheritance process today.

Make Your Inheritance Simple With Fast Cash From IFC

You can sail past Probate Court and quickly get your Connecticut probate advance with IFC. We give inheritors the freedom to use their money for what they need without loopholes. If you have any Connecticut probate questions, our team is more than happy to provide answers and walk you through the process.

Sign up for your free consultation today!