Last Will and Testament in Connecticut
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Connecticut law says
| Requirements for a valid will | Anyone 18 or older and of sound mind may make a will. The will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker, and signed by two witnesses, each signing in the will-maker's presence. A will made outside Connecticut that follows the law of the place where it was signed can also be admitted to probate. |
|---|---|
| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. The attesting witnesses can sign an affidavit before an officer authorized to give oaths (such as a notary), either at the will-maker's request while living or after death, stating the facts they would testify to in court. The affidavit is written on or attached to the will, and the Probate Court accepts it as if the witnesses testified in court. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-285 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | No, not for wills signed in Connecticut: a will must be signed by two witnesses to be valid. A handwritten will that was validly made under the law of the state or country where it was signed can be admitted to probate in Connecticut. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-251 |
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Connecticut tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.