Small estate affidavit in Connecticut (2026)

Connecticut at a glance

Affidavit cap

$40,000

Value counted

Gross value (debts not subtracted)

Waiting period

None

If there is a will

Special rule — see below

File with a court

Yes

Real estate

Not covered

Court shortcut

Small estate affidavit proceeding in Probate Court (C.G.S. 45a-273); otherwise full estate administration (up to $40,000)

Can you use it?

Enter the date of death and the value. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

A worked example for Connecticut

Say a parent who lived in Connecticut died on March 1, 2026, leaving $32,000 in a bank account in their name only and no house. $32,000 is within the $40,000 cap for that date of death, so the family can use the affidavit right away.

The rules in Connecticut

• The affidavit. The affidavit is filed with the Probate Court for the district where the decedent lived. The court then issues a decree authorizing each holder (bank, etc.) to transfer or pay the asset to named people or creditors. Holders act on the court decree, not on the affidavit alone.
• Cap. Solely owned personal property cannot exceed $40,000, and the decedent cannot have owned any solely owned real property in Connecticut.
• What counts. The total value of the decedent's solely owned tangible and intangible personal property.
• What doesn't count. Property that passes outside probate by operation of law, such as joint-with-survivorship, POD/TOD and beneficiary-designated assets. Survivorship real estate does not bar use.
• Waiting period. There is no set waiting period after death before filing. The court sends a copy of the affidavit to the Department of Administrative Services, and cannot issue its decree until 30 days after that.
• Conditions. No probate proceeding can have been started. The affidavit must say whether the decedent received state aid or care, and must list the solely owned assets and all claims, expenses and taxes. The court pays claims in statutory priority (state aid is reimbursed first under 4a-12/17b-95). If a will leaves property differently than intestacy would, the court follows the will only if the heirs waive a contest, or follows intestacy if the legatees consent. Otherwise the affidavit is dismissed and the will must be probated.
• Who can sign. In order: the surviving spouse; if none, any next of kin; if none, or if they refuse, anyone the court finds has enough interest, including a creditor owed a claim, expense or tax.
• Court filing. File PC-212 with the Probate Court in the district where the decedent lived. The court may act without notice or hearing, and issues a decree (and certificates) directing holders to transfer or pay.
• Fee. Probate fee based on estate value under C.G.S. 45a-107: $25 up to $500; $50 for $501-$1,000; $50 plus 1% over $1,000 for $1,000-$10,000; $150 plus 0.35% over $10,000 above that (deaths on or after 2016-07-01)

Houses, land and vehicles

• Real estate. The procedure is not available if the decedent owned any solely owned real property in Connecticut. Survivorship real estate is fine. Solely owned land requires a full probate estate. The court may authorize release of a mortgage interest the decedent held.
• Vehicles. CT DMV transfers a solely owned vehicle using a certified Probate Court document, including small-estate decrees, with the title assigned by the person the court authorizes.

When the affidavit isn't enough

Connecticut's simplified route is itself a court proceeding: the affidavit plus the Probate Court decree, for estates up to $40,000 with no solely owned Connecticut real estate. Larger estates, or estates with solely owned real estate, need regular probate.

Good to know in Connecticut

• Anyone who receives a transfer is liable for its value for any estate, succession or transfer tax, and to any executor or administrator appointed later (C.G.S. 45a-273(j)).
• A holder may require waivers, a bond of indemnity and a receipt before paying (45a-273(h)).
• PC-212 (rev. 07/23) is the current official form and states the $40,000 limit.
• The Probate Courts' user guide says a Connecticut estate tax return is required even for a small estate (Form CT-706 NT if under the exemption), due 6 months after death. A Request for Order of Distribution (PC-212A) may also be needed if the assets exceed the expenses and debts.

Official help and forms

• Connecticut official self-help on small estates
• Connecticut small-estate form

Sources

• C.G.S. Chapter 802b (Sec. 45a-273) - Connecticut General Assembly (read October 23, 2026)
• C.G.S. Chapter 801b (Sec. 45a-107 probate fees) - Connecticut General Assembly (read October 23, 2026)
• Connecticut Probate Courts form PC-212 Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration (rev. 07/23) (read October 23, 2026)
• Connecticut Probate Courts - User Guide: Administration of Decedents' Estates (read October 23, 2026)
• CT DMV - Transfer of Ownership of a Connecticut Vehicle from a Deceased Person (read October 23, 2026)

Legal information, not legal advice. Caps and forms change — confirm with the court or the statute before you sign. How we check: methodology.