Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Connecticut

Re: Beneficiary in a Will

Go to or call the office of the Surrogate where the decedent resided at the time of death. They will tell you if a Will has been probated or an Administration (probate procedure where there is no Will) applied for. Since a Will is a public document, you can see it or, for a small fee, obtain a copy. They will also inform you who has been appointed and what attorney, if any, is representing the estate. If nothing has been done, and you are a close family member, you may be able to apply for Administration.

Re: Beneficiary in a Will

You would only be notified if the will is filed with a probate court and an estate is opened. If you think you have an interest in someone's estate and you have not been notified, then you should go to the probate court in the town where the person lived and ask if an estate has been opened.

If an estate has not been opened and you believe one should be I believe you can open an estate as an interested person. You should talk to the probate clerk and that person can answer any questions you have.