Executor Duties in Connecticut

The probate court publishes notice to creditors within 14 days after the fiduciary is appointed. If the estate includes real estate, the fiduciary records a Notice for Land Records (PC-251) in each town within two months. The fiduciary files a sworn, appraised inventory (PC-2407) within two months after the bond is accepted or the fiduciary otherwise qualifies (the court may extend to four months). The fiduciary handles claims (and may send creditors a written notice setting a deadline at least 90 days away), files the Connecticut estate tax return within six months of death, files a final financial report or account (usually within 12 months of death), and distributes the assets.

Connecticut probate courts issue a "Fiduciary's Probate Certificate" (form PC-450) as proof of the executor's or administrator's authority, rather than documents called letters testamentary. The process starts by filing the original will and a Petition/Administration or Probate of Will (PC-200) with the probate court for the district where the decedent lived; the named executor must apply within 30 days after death. The court appoints the executor (or, with no will, an administrator from the surviving spouse, children and other next of kin), usually requires a probate bond unless waived, and issues the certificate once the fiduciary qualifies. A nonresident fiduciary must appoint the probate judge as agent for service.

The Probate Court publishes newspaper notice to creditors within 14 days after the first fiduciary is appointed. A fiduciary who pays or distributes in good faith after 150 days from that appointment is not liable for claims presented later. The fiduciary may also send a creditor written notice setting a deadline at least 90 days away; a notified creditor who misses it is barred. In general, no claim may be presented or sued on more than two years after the date of death (or the earlier date the claim's own statute of limitations runs out).