Connecticut Probate Court fees explained

A big concern is often the unknown probate fees and costs. Many people have questions about probate court fees, estate taxes, or other expenses.

Connecticut Probate Court fee for an estate depends on several factors, such as the value of the assets in the estate, the complexity of administering the estate (if there are additional Probate Court hearings). The Connecticut Probate Court charges a Statutory Probate Fee to each estate. You may use this link to Calculate the Statutory Probate Fee. In addition to the Connecticut Statutory Probate Court fee, additional fees for administering an estate often include fees to pay the Executor or Administrator (if he/she/it decides to charge a fee), attorney fees, accounting fees, probate court filing fees, and bonds. The cost of probating an estate is typically paid for by using estate assets. 

Connecticut probate attorney fees

Connecticut Probate Attorneys typically charge for legal services at an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a percentage of the total value of the estate. The attorney’s fee must be approved by the Probate Court Judge overseeing the estate. The Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct require attorneys to disclose their fees to clients in writing, so, if you choose to hire a Connecticut Probate attorney you should receive written notification of how attorney’s fees will be charged. 

It is not required that an Executor or Administrator hire an attorney to administer an estate, but, in many instances, it is often helpful to have the professional advice of an attorney familiar with the Connecticut Probate Court forms and process. 

What are other fees may be incurred in Connecticut probate?

The exact fees incurred with probating an estate depend upon the specifics of the estate - the beneficiaries or heirs, the assets, and the complexity of issues. Generally, in addition to the general fees associated with the decedent’s death, such as the funeral and obituary costs, if full probate of an estate is required you can anticipate paying a fee to the local newspaper to publish the “Notice to Creditors”, likely incurring accounting fees to prepare the decedent’s last income tax returns as well as any estate tax return(s), paying expenses incurred by the estate to manage or maintain the property, fees for a personal and/or real property appraisal, and other management fees. Finally, the Executor (or Administrator) may also receive a fee for his/her/its services.

Connecticut Estate Tax

The Connecticut estate tax is a tax on a decedent’s estate before those assets are distributed to his/her beneficiaries or heirs at law (the people or institutions actually receiving the decedent’s money). Many estates in Connecticut do not actually pay an estate tax as an estate must have assets over a certain amount in order to be required to pay the estate tax. 

Before discussing the Connecticut estate tax, it is important to note that a decedent may pass an unlimited amount of money to a surviving United States Citizen spouse - there is no estate tax paid by that surviving spouse. It is only when assets are passed to other beneficiaries or heirs at law that an estate tax is imposed.

Additionally, it is also important to note that many estates are not impacted by the estate tax at all, as the total value of assets owned by the decedent is significantly below the estate tax threshold. 

In 2023, the Connecticut estate tax exemption will match the federal exemption of $12.92 million. The estate tax is due within six months of the estate owner’s death, though a six-month extension may be requested.

That means that, in 2023, an estate with assets less than $12.92 million will not pay any Connecticut or federal estate tax (provided lifetime gifts of assets were not made). 

It is important to note that this means that, with proper estate planning, a married Connecticut couple may pass more than $24 million to beneficiaries without paying a Connecticut estate tax. 

It is important to note that the Connecticut estate tax is not the same as the inheritance tax. An inheritance tax is a tax on the assets each beneficiary/heir receives from the estate and is paid by each beneficiary/heir. Connecticut does not have an inheritance tax.

*Disclaimer: the information on this page is intended to provide general educational information about frequently asked questions regarding the Connecticut Probate Court fees and is not intended as legal advice. You should consult with a probate attorney before relying on any of this information and seek advice specific to your circumstances. Reading this information or submitting an email does not create an attorney/client relationship.

Let us do it for you

When grieving a loved one, probate is likely the last thing you want to have to figure out. It can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and a lot of work when trying to manage your own life, family, and job. We understand and that’s why we’ve designed our process to help you probate an estate from start to finish.

Don’t struggle through probate on your own and start the process only to get frustrated, overwhelmed, and regret not getting help sooner. Let us probate the estate from start to finish so you don’t have to worry. Contact us today for a free consultation and receive a fee quote you can rely on.

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