Connecticut Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Connecticut, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Connecticut guide.
- Will
- Connecticut will requirements under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-251: age 18, sound mind, a signed writing, two attesting witnesses, no handwritten wills, no notary. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a Connecticut revocable living trust works under the Connecticut Uniform Trust Code: creation, funding a deed and accounts, and the pour-over will. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Connecticut power of attorney rules under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-350: durable by default, two witnesses required at signing, coagents who must act jointly. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Connecticut has three statutory advance directives and no default family surrogate. Your paper works only once a doctor holds it and finds you incapacitated. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Connecticut requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Connecticut estate planning guides
Connecticut Estate Planning Basics
Connecticut estate planning basics: a will attested by two witnesses, a power of attorney under chapter 15c, an advance directive, and a funded revocable trust.
Connecticut Will Requirements
Connecticut will requirements under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-251: age 18, sound mind, a signed writing, two attesting witnesses, no handwritten wills, no notary.
Connecticut Power of Attorney
Connecticut power of attorney rules under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 1-350: durable by default, two witnesses required at signing, coagents who must act jointly.
Connecticut Advance Directive Guide
Connecticut has three statutory advance directives and no default family surrogate. Your paper works only once a doctor holds it and finds you incapacitated.
Connecticut Guardianship Planning
Connecticut has no adult guardianship. An adult gets a conservator, and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-645 lets you name your own before a judge ever picks one.
Connecticut Revocable Living Trust
How a Connecticut revocable living trust works under the Connecticut Uniform Trust Code: creation, funding a deed and accounts, and the pour-over will.
Connecticut Trust Administration
Connecticut trust administration under the Connecticut Uniform Trust Code: the 60-day beneficiary notices, the 120-day contest window, and trustee reports.
Connecticut Pet Trusts
A Connecticut pet trust runs on Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-489a, and it must name a trust protector. Out-of-state forms leave that seat empty.
Connecticut Digital Assets After Death
Connecticut adopted RUFADAA in 2016. Sections 45a-334b to 45a-334s give a fiduciary a route to online accounts, and a custodian has sixty days to answer.
Not sure what you need in Connecticut?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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