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How Assets Transfer After Death in Connecticut

Not everything a person owned goes through the Probate Court. What happens to each asset depends on how it was titled and whether the owner named a beneficiary.

Ask one question of every asset: did the deceased set up a way for it to pass automatically? In Connecticut that means survivorship in the deed, a survivorship bank account, a beneficiary registration on securities, a beneficiary written on a vehicle registration, a named insurance or retirement beneficiary, or a funded trust. It does NOT include a transfer-on-death deed, because Connecticut does not have one.

Transfers Automatically (No Probate)

These assets carry a built-in mechanism that moves them to a named person the moment the owner dies.

Requires Probate

Assets held in the decedent's name alone, with no beneficiary and no survivorship, pass under the will or by Connecticut intestate succession and generally need a Probate Court appointment.

Special Connecticut Rules

Connecticut has its own set of shortcuts and protections, and several of them do not look like other states.

An ex parte administrator may be named for medical, insurance or health benefits or other intangible property of $1,000 or less (§ 45a-274)

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Pro Tips

  • -Ask each bank in writing whether the account was joint or carried a beneficiary, because families often do not know
  • -Notify the bank promptly so automatic debits and card use stop
  • -Do not close a joint account right away. You may need it while bills are still clearing
  • -Order more certified death certificates than you think you need, because each institution keeps one

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between probate and non-probate assets?
Probate assets are owned solely by the deceased with no designated beneficiary, requiring court supervision to transfer. Non-probate assets have built-in transfer mechanisms like beneficiary designations, joint ownership, or trust ownership.
What assets avoid probate in Connecticut?
Assets that typically avoid probate include: life insurance with named beneficiaries, retirement accounts (401k, IRA) with beneficiaries, jointly owned property with right of survivorship, TOD (Transfer on Death) accounts, POD (Payable on Death) accounts, and assets held in a living trust.
What is a TOD or POD designation?
TOD (Transfer on Death) and POD (Payable on Death) are beneficiary designations that allow assets to pass directly to a named beneficiary upon death, bypassing probate.
Does joint ownership avoid probate?
Only joint ownership with "right of survivorship" avoids probate. This includes joint tenancy with right of survivorship and tenancy by the entireties (for married couples in some states).
SourcesOfficial references used for this page

Information current as of April 11, 2026

Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Connecticut can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

More Connecticut Resources

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Do I need probate?4 pages
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File for probate2 pages
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Learn and reference5 pages