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Other Names: Connecticut Will Connecticut Last Will Connecticut Will and Testament
Connecticut Last Will and Testament document preview

What is a Connecticut Last Will and Testament?

A Connecticut Last Will and Testament (a "Will") is a legal document that sets forth your wishes in relation to asset distribution after death, including who will inherit your personal belongings, your money, or your home. 
 
The individual making a Will is called the "testator," while the individual or organization being appointed to manage the testator's estate after death is called the "executor." Suited for residents of Connecticut, this free Last Will and Testament is made for use in Fairfield County, Hartford County, New Haven County, and in all other counties in the state. Each Connecticut Will from Rocket Lawyer can be modified for your particular circumstances. This document will provide proof of your preferences.

When to use a Connecticut Last Will and Testament:

  • You wish to give someone broad authorization to act for you if you are absent or incapable.
  • You wish to give someone power to handle certain financial or legal issues in your absence or if you become ill.
  • You wish to authorize someone to act on your behalf if case you become legally incompetent or incapacitated.

Sample Connecticut Last Will and Testament

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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

OF

 

 

I, , of , , revoke my former Wills and Codicils and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.

 

 

ARTICLE

IDENTIFICATION OF FAMILY

 

, my spouse or domestic partner, registered with the Secretary of State

 

All references in this Will to "my children" are references to the above-named child and any children born to me or adopted by me after the signing of this Will. All references in this Will to "my children" are references to the above-named child. All references in this Will to "my children" are references to the above-named children and any children born to me or adopted by me after the signing of this Will. All references in this Will to "my children" are references to the above-named children.

 

ARTICLE

PAYMENT OF DEBTS AND EXPENSES

 

I direct that my just debts, funeral expenses and expenses of last illness be first paid from my estate.

 

 

ARTICLE

DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY

 

However, such bequests (other than bequests, if any, to my spouse) shall be made only if my spouse, , does not survive me. However, such bequests (other than bequests, if any, to my children) shall be made only if my children do not survive me. However, such bequests (other than bequests, if any, to my spouse or my children) shall be made only if my spouse, , and my children do not survive me. However, such bequests (other than bequests, if any, to my spouse) shall be made only if my spouse, , does not survive me. However, such bequests (other than bequests, if any, to my children) shall be made only if my children do not survive me.
If this beneficiary does not survive me, this bequest shall be distributed to .
. Remaining Tangible Personal Property. distributed to . If this beneficiary does not survive me, this property shall be
. my spouse, . If my spouse does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to , , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to , , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to my Trustee, to be retained, managed and distributed under the provisions of Article IV (Trust for Children).my children in equal shares. If a child of mine does not survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to the children of such deceased child who survive me, by right of representation. If a child of mine does not survive me and has no children who survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to my other children, if any, or to their respective children by right of representation. If no child of mine survives me, and if none of my deceased children are survived by children, my residuary estate shall be distributed to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.my spouse's heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if my spouse had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision. the following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown:

 

% - my spouse, . If my spouse does not survive me, this share shall be distributed

 

% - my Trustee, to be retained, managed and distributed under the provisions of Article IV (Trust for Children).

 

% - my children in equal shares. If a child of mine does not survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to the children of such deceased child who survived me by right of representation. If a child of mine does not survive me and has no children who survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to my other children, if any, or to their respective children by right of representation. If no child of mine survives me, and if none of my deceased children are survived by children, this share shall be distributed State of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spouseState of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spouse

. my spouse, . If my spouse does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to , , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.my spouse's heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if my spouse had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision. the following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown:. my children in equal shares. If a child of mine does not survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to the children of such deceased child who survive me, by right of representation. If a child of mine does not survive me and has no children who survive me, such deceased child's share shall be distributed in equal shares to my other children, if any, or to their respective children by right of representation. If no child of mine survives me, and if none of my deceased children are survived by children, my residuary estate shall be distributed to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the State of , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision., relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spousemy Trustee, to be retained, managed and distributed under the provisions of the Article titled "Trust for Children". my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision., , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to State of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spousethe following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown:. , , . If such beneficiary does not survive me, my residuary estate shall be distributed to State of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spousemy heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision. the following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown:
to , , .proportionately to the other distributee(s) listed under this provision.to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.to , , . proportionately to the other distributee(s) listed under this provision.
State of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spouseState of Commonwealth of , relating to the succession of separate property that is not attributable to a predeceased spouse
to , , .proportionately to the other distributee(s) listed under this provision.my child.my children.any children born to me or adopted by me after the signing of this Will.

The custodian (whether trustee or guardian) of my children's assets may transfer all or part of the custodial property to a qualified minors trust without court order provided that the trust meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code section 2503(C).

 

The shares shall be distributed to my surviving children (and/or surviving descendants, in the case of a deceased child, by right of representation) and this Trust shall then terminate.

 

to the following beneficiaries in the percentages as shown: to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.to my spouse's heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if my spouse had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.

% to my heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if I had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.

 

% to my spouse's heirs-at-law, their identities and respective shares to be determined under the laws of the , then in effect, as if my spouse had died intestate at the time fixed for distribution under this provision.

 

E. Nomination of Trustee. I nominate , of , , as the Trustee, If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond. without bond. with bond. without bond. the remaining nominee shall serve as sole Successor Trustee, I nominate , of , , to be the replacement Co-Successor Trustee, If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond.without bond.with bond.without bond.

E. Nomination of Trustee. I nominate , of , , and , of , , as Co-Trustees (the "Trustee"), If one of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, with bond. without bond. with bond. without bond. If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond. without bond. with bond. without bond. the remaining nominee shall serve as sole Successor Trustee, I nominate , of , , to be the replacement Co-Successor Trustee, If such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate with bond.without bond.with bond.without bond.

is designated as the successor Trustee and , of , are designated as successor Co-Trustees (the "Trustee")

. Accounting. The Trustee shall provide an accounting to the Beneficiary (or Beneficiaries) on at least a(n) basis. If a beneficiary has a "disability", the Trustee shall provide the accounting to a guardian or conservator of the beneficiary, if any.

 

without bond. with bond except that no bond shall be required of any qualified successor corporate Trustee. with bond.
, with the following requests:.

. that they take possession of and care for all my animals and search for good homes for them

 

. that until homes are found for my animals, the animals be placed in foster homes rather than in cages at the shelter

 

. that if it is necessary to keep some of the animals in cages while making arrangements to fend permanent homes, in no event should any animal stay more than a total of 2 weeks in a cage

 

. that each animal should receive appropriate veterinary care, as needed

 

. that after attempts have been made for 3 months to place an animal, that , presently residing at , , , be contacted if it is not possible to place an animal so that he can assist with finding a home for the animal

 

. that the shelter make every effort to assure that none of my animals are ever used for medical research or product testing or painful experimentation under any circumstances

 

. that, after placement, shelter personnel make follow-up visits to assure that my animals are receiving proper care in their new homes

 

. that they take possession of and care for all my animals for the remainder of the animals' lives

 

.

 

If is in existence at the time of my death and is able to accept my animals, I give to . and

 

ARTICLE

NOMINATION OF

 

I nominate , of , , Dependent Independent to serve as my , and , of , , as Co-s (the ""), to serve with bond. to serve without bond, surety, or other security. If one of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, the remaining nominee shall serve as sole If one (or both) of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, I nominate , of , , as replacement Co- (or sole ), to serve with bond. to serve without bond, surety, or other security.

 

I nominate , of , , as my Digital ExecutorI nominate , of , , and , of , , as my Digital Co-ExecutorsIf such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate , of , , to serve as my Digital ExecutorIf such person or entity does not serve for any reason, I nominate , of , , and , of , , to serve as my Digital Co-ExecutorsIf one of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, the remaining nominee shall serve as sole Digital Executor. If one (or both) of the above nominees does not serve for any reason, I nominate , of , , to serve as replacement Digital Co-Executor (or sole Digital Executor)I nominate , of , , to serve as Guardian of my surviving children who are minors at the time of my death. I nominate and , of , , to serve as Co-Guardians of my surviving children who are minors at the time of my death. I nominate , of , , to serve as the Guardian. I nominate and , of , , to serve as Co-Guardians.

 

ARTICLE

 

Independent shall have all powers and authority granted by law or necessary or appropriate for proper administration. in addition to other powers and authority granted by law or necessary or appropriate for proper administration, shall have the following rights, powers, and authority without order of court and without notice to anyone: to identify, gather, value, secure, manage and distribute assets, to maintain records, to settle and wind up business affairs, to pay just debts, to file necessary tax returns, to redirect mail, to cancel services, to establish trusts, and to carry out my wishes as set forth in this Will.

. Hold Trust Assets as a Single Fund. To hold the assets of the trust, shares, or portions of the trust created by this instrument as a single fund for joint investment and management, without the need for physical segregation, dividing the income proportionately among them. Segregation of the various trust shares need only be made on the books of the Trustee for accounting purposes.

 

. Compensation. To receive reasonable compensation for their services under this Will and be exonerated from and to pay all reasonable expenses and charges of the estate and trust.

 

. Loans to Beneficiaries. To make loans to any trust beneficiary for the purpose of providing the beneficiary with the funds necessary to take advantage of exceptional business opportunities or to provide for the needs of the beneficiaries and their families.

 

. Methods of Distribution. To make payments to or for the benefit of any beneficiary (specifically including any beneficiary under any legal disability) in any of the following ways: (a) directly to the beneficiary; (b) directly for the maintenance, welfare and education of the beneficiary; (c) to the legal or natural guardian of the beneficiary; or (d) to anyone who at the time shall have custody and care of the person of the beneficiary. The or Trustee shall not be obliged to see to the application of the funds so paid, but the receipt of the person to whom the funds were paid shall be full acquittance of the or Trustee.

 

. Independent Administration. My shall have the right to administer my estate using "informal", "unsupervised", or "independent" probate or equivalent legislation designed to operate without unnecessary intervention by the probate court.

 

. Compensation. Receive reasonable compensation for their services under this Will and be exonerated from and to pay all reasonable expenses and charges of the estate.

 

 

ARTICLE

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

. Paragraph Titles and Gender. The titles given to the paragraphs of this Will are inserted for reference purposes only and are not to be considered as forming a part of this Will in interpreting its provisions. All words used in this Will in any gender shall extend to and include all genders, and any singular words shall include the plural expression, and vice versa, specifically including "child" and "children", when the context or facts so require, and any pronouns shall be taken to refer to the person or persons intended regardless of gender or number.

 

predeceased my spouse, and notwithstanding any other provision of this Will, my spouse (or my spouse's estate as the case may be) shall receive the distribution to which my spouse would otherwise be entitled to receive without regard to a survivorship requirement, if any.survived the death of my spouse.Independent

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name below, this _____ day of _____________________, _______.

 

 

 

  Testator Signature: ___________________________________

 

 

 

and in the sight and presence of each other,
STATE OF COMMONWEALTH OF eighteen fourteen of adult age fourteen years of age or older at least fourteen (14) years of age or an emancipated minor of sound mindof sound mind, have sufficient mental capacity to make this Will, am and in the presence of each other, or an emancipated minor of sound mindof sound mind and memory, have sufficient mental capacity to make this Will, is

 

STATE OF COMMONWEALTH OF ; and subscribed and sworn to before me by and , witnesses

Name of Sole Digital Executor: , City: , State:

 

Name of Co-Digital Executor: , City: , State:

 

Name of Co-Digital Executor: , City: , State:

 

should initial on the bottom margin of each page of the Will. This is done to prevent the substitution of pages. must sign each page of the Will, as required by the Louisiana Civil Code, Article 1577. must sign the pages in the presence of a notary public and at least two competent witnesses.

The Self-Proving Affidavit

 

The self-proving affidavit ("Proof of Will" in some states) is a document which should be signed in front of a notary public and attached to the end of the Will. The affidavit recites that the requisite formalities were observed in signing the Will.

 

Although attaching the affidavit has nothing to do with the legality of the Will itself, it can speed the admission of the Will to probate after the death of the Will writer because it eliminates the need to have a witness appear at the probate proceeding to testify that the formalities in signing the Will were followed. The witnesses may not be available later when they are needed. A self-proved Will may be admitted to probate without additional witnesses or affidavits, but it is still subject to contest on such grounds as undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, or prior revocation.

 

 

three two or a notary public. and a notary public. . In, witnesses to a will are not required to be disinterested, but if they are "interested", there is a rebuttable presumption that the witness received the will's benefit through fraud or other undue influence, unless there are two additional disinterested witnesses. If the interested witness can not rebut that presumption, they can not take more than they would have taken if no will had existed at all, if anything. The signature of an interested witness will count towards satisfying 's requirement that non-handwritten wills have two witnesses. . Many states require only two witnesses, but the signature of a third witness provides some protection against the possibility that one of the witness' signatures will be invalid for some reason. For example, a person should not be a witness if that person is a beneficiary under the Will. In most states, if a beneficiary's signature is counted in order to satisfy the minimum number of witnesses, then the Will is not necessarily invalidated, but that "interested witness" may not receive a share of the estate any larger than if the Will writer had died without a will. . Vermont requires three witnesses. The signature of a third witness provides some protection against the possibility that one of the witness' signature will be invalid for some reason. For example, a person should not be a witness if that person is a beneficiary under the Will. In most states, if a beneficiary's signature is counted in order to satisfy the minimum number of witnesses, then the Will is not necessarily invalidated, but that "interested witness" may not receive a share of the estate any larger than if the Will writer had died without a will.

Connecticut Last Will and Testament FAQs

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  • How do I write a Will in Connecticut?

    It is simple and easy to set forth your wishes using a free Connecticut Last Will and Testament template from Rocket Lawyer:

    1. Make the document - Answer a few questions, and we will do the rest
    2. Send and share it - Review your wishes with an attorney, if desired
    3. Sign it and make it legal - Required or not, having two disinterested witnesses is recommended

    This route is, in most cases, notably more affordable and convenient than working with your average attorney. If necessary, you can fill out a Last Will and Testament on behalf of a relative, and then help that person sign when ready. Please remember that for a Will to be considered valid, the testator must be an adult who is mentally competent at the time of signing. In the event that the testator has already been declared incompetent, a court-appointed conservatorship could be required. When managing this scenario, it is important for you to speak with a lawyer .

  • Why should I make a Will?

    Anyone who is over 18 ought to have a Last Will and Testament. While it's difficult to think about, your loved ones will need to know your wishes in relation to guardianship (when applicable), your property, and your assets, if you pass away. Here are a few typical circumstances in which you might find it helpful to make or update your Will:

    • You are newly married or divorced
    • You are getting older or have declining health
    • You are a new parent
    • You own or recently bought/sold real estate

    Whether this Connecticut Last Will and Testament is being produced in response to a recent change in your life or as part of a forward-looking plan, notarization and witnesses can help to protect your document if its authenticity is challenged.

  • Should I hire an attorney for my Will in Connecticut?

    Writing a Will is usually straightforward; however, you could have questions. Finding an attorney to check your Connecticut Last Will and Testament may be expensive. A more cost-effective way to double-check your document would be through Rocket Lawyer attorney services. By signing up for a Premium membership, you can get your documents reviewed or ask any questions. As always, Rocket Lawyer is here to support you.

  • How much would I normally need to pay to make a Will in Connecticut?

    The cost of finding and working with an attorney to draft a Last Will and Testament could total anywhere between two hundred and one thousand dollars, depending on where you are. Different from the other websites you might stumble upon, Rocket Lawyer offers much more than a Last Will and Testament template. If you ever require help from a lawyer, your membership offers up to 40% in savings when you hire an attorney from our network.

  • Are there any next steps that I should take after I make a Connecticut Last Will and Testament?

    Upon finishing your Last Will, you'll have the ability to open it wherever and whenever you choose. You are encouraged to interact with the document in one or all of the following ways: editing it, saving it as a Word or PDF document, printing it, and signing it. Your Connecticut Will comes with its own series of helpful tips on what you can do next. Even if you make copies, be sure to store your original signed document in a safe place. It is important that at least one other person knows where to find it after you have passed.

  • Does a Last Will and Testament need to be notarized or witnessed in Connecticut?

    The specifications vary in each state; however, in Connecticut, your Will must be signed by two witnesses. As a basic rule, witnesses should be mentally competent individuals. Neither witness should be a beneficiary of the Will. Furthermore, it is highly encouraged that you have your Will signed by a notary public to help reinforce the authenticity of the document.

  • Does a Last Will and Testament need to be filed in Connecticut?

    A Last Will and Testament doesn't need to be filed until the testator passes away. In the state of Connecticut, a Last Will and Testament must be filed for probate within 30 days after the death of the testator. Filing a Will (along with any other forms required by the county) initiates the process of probate.

Connecticut Last Will and Testament document preview

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