Wills in Connecticut
A last will and testament directs how your assets are distributed after your death and names a guardian for any minor children. Without a will, Connecticut intestacy law determines how your estate is distributed — a formula that may not reflect your wishes at all.
In Connecticut, a valid will must be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who also sign. We draft wills that are legally sound, clearly written, and designed to minimize the potential for disputes among heirs.
Trusts in Connecticut
Trusts allow assets to pass to beneficiaries outside of probate, which can save time, reduce costs, and maintain privacy. A revocable living trust is the most common type — you maintain control during your lifetime and the trust distributes assets directly to beneficiaries upon your death without court involvement.
Irrevocable trusts serve different purposes including asset protection, Medicaid planning, and estate tax minimization. We evaluate your specific situation and recommend the trust structure that best serves your goals.
Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney designates someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may have to go through the court system to obtain a conservatorship before anyone can manage your assets — an expensive and time-consuming process.
A healthcare proxy designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot make them yourself. A living will specifies your wishes regarding end of life care. These documents together ensure that your wishes are known and respected.
Probate in Connecticut
Probate is the court supervised process of administering a deceased person’s estate. In Connecticut, probate is handled by the Probate Court, which is separate from Superior Court. Danbury area estates are handled by the Danbury Probate Court.
We handle probate administration for Connecticut estates, guiding executors and administrators through the process of inventorying assets, paying debts, filing required returns, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. We also handle contested probate matters when disputes arise among heirs.
Estate Planning for Newtown Residents
We handle estate planning throughout western Connecticut. Our dedicated page for Newtown covers estate planning considerations specific to that community: Estate Planning Attorney Newtown CT.