Probate & Estate Administration Attorney in Bloomfield, Connecticut
Losing a loved one is never easy. In addition to coping with grief, you may also be faced with the responsibility of managing your loved one's final affairs. This can often feel like a challenging and overwhelming task during an emotionally difficult time.
At The Law Office of Marialta Z. Sparagna, I strive to guide Connecticut families through the probate and estate administration process. With over eighteen years of legal experience, complemented by a background in the corporate world, I offer a unique and practical approach to settling estates. With offices in Bloomfield and Litchfield, Connecticut, I serve clients throughout Simsbury, Bantam, Hartford County, and Litchfield County. Contact me today to schedule a consultation.
An Overview of Probate and Estate Administration
When a person passes away, their estate, which encompasses all their assets, including property, bank accounts, and personal belongings, must be legally settled and distributed. This process is commonly referred to as estate administration. If the person had a will, the process is supervised by the Connecticut Probate Court to validate the will and oversee the distribution of assets. This court-supervised process is called probate.
My role in this process is to guide the person named as the executor in the will (or the administrator appointed by the court if there is no will) through their duties. These duties are significant and come with legal responsibility. If you have been tasked with acting in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries, I am here to help you fulfill these obligations with confidence.
Responsibilities of an Estate Executor or Administrator
As the executor or administrator of an estate, you will have several key responsibilities. I help clients manage each step, making the process feel more straightforward and manageable. The primary responsibilities you will be required to complete include the following.
Filing the will with the probate court: The first step is to file the deceased's will with the appropriate probate court. This officially begins the probate process. If no will exists, we will petition the court to appoint an administrator.
Notifying heirs and creditors: You must identify and locate all potential heirs and beneficiaries. Additionally, you are required to notify any known or potential creditors of the person's passing. This is often done through a notice published in a local newspaper.
Inventorying and appraising assets: A detailed inventory of all estate assets must be created. This includes real estate, financial accounts, vehicles, stocks, and valuable personal property. Some assets may need a formal appraisal to determine their fair market value as of the date of death.
Managing estate assets: During the administration period, you are responsible for protecting and managing the estate's assets. This could involve maintaining a property, managing investments, or securing valuables.
Paying debts and taxes: Before any assets can be distributed to beneficiaries, you must pay all of the deceased's final debts, including funeral expenses, medical bills, and credit card balances. You will also need to file the deceased's final income tax returns and, if applicable, an estate tax return.
Distributing the remaining assets: Once all debts and taxes are paid, you can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the instructions in the will. If there is no will, the assets will be distributed based on Connecticut's intestacy laws.
Closing the estate: The final step is to file an accounting with the probate court, detailing all the funds that came into the estate and all the payments made. Once the court approves the final accounting, the estate can be formally closed.
For Experienced Guidance
Connecticut Probate Law
In Connecticut, the probate process is governed by state laws that outline the procedures for handling estates. Each town or region has its own probate court that handles these matters, and the process begins in the court that serves the city where the deceased person resided.
Small estates: State law offers certain provisions for "small estates." If the total value of the deceased's property (not including real estate) is $40,000 or less, the estate may qualify for a simplified settlement procedure. This can save considerable time and expense. As your attorney, I can help you determine if your loved one's estate is eligible for this shortened process.
Intestate laws: If there is no will, the estate is considered "intestate." Connecticut law then dictates how the assets are divided among the surviving relatives. The surviving spouse and children are typically the primary heirs. For example, if there is a surviving spouse and children who are also the spouse's children, the spouse inherits the first $100,000 plus half of the remaining estate. The children inherit the other half.
Estate taxes: Connecticut has its own estate tax, which is separate from the federal estate tax. For individuals who passed away on or after January 1, 2023, the Connecticut estate tax exemption is $12.92 million. This means that if the total value of the taxable estate is below this amount, no Connecticut estate tax is due. However, a Connecticut estate tax return must still be filed if the estate's value exceeds this threshold.
How My Firm Can Help
Trying to handle estate administration alone can be a heavy burden. There are numerous deadlines, legal documents, and financial tasks to manage. A mistake can lead to delays, monetary penalties, or even personal liability for the executor.
As an experienced probate and estate administration attorney, I can prepare the necessary court documents, track essential deadlines, and provide clear advice at every stage. My goal is to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, allowing you and your family to focus on what matters most.
I can also handle communication with the court, beneficiaries, and creditors, providing a single point of contact and reducing stress on your end. My support enables you to honor your loved one's legacy without being burdened by the administrative details.
Probate Estate Administration Attorney Serving Bloomfield, Connecticut
Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. However, you don't have to handle your loved one's estate on your own. At The Law Office of Marialta Z. Sparagna LLC, I dedicate my time to understanding your family’s specific circumstances and working with you and your family to develop legal solutions designed to fit your needs.
With over 18 years in practice and a background in the corporate world, I bring a well-rounded perspective to my work. With offices in Bloomfield and Litchfield, Connecticut, I serve clients throughout Simsbury, Bantam, Hartford County, and Litchfield County. Contact me today to schedule a consultation.