CT Bar Wills Trusts & Estates Flashcards

Under Connecticut law, what is the minimum age to execute a valid will?

Answer: 18

C.G.S. § 45a-250 requires that a testator be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind to execute a valid will in Connecticut.

How many witnesses must sign a Connecticut will for it to be valid?

Answer: Two

C.G.S. § 45a-251 requires that a will be signed by the testator in the presence of two competent witnesses who also sign the will.

Connecticut does NOT recognize which type of will?

Answer: Holographic will

Connecticut does not recognize holographic (handwritten, unwitnessed) wills; all wills must comply with the formal execution requirements of C.G.S. § 45a-251.

Under Connecticut's antilapse statute, a predeceased beneficiary's share passes to that beneficiary's issue only if the beneficiary was related to the testator in which way?

Answer: A kindred of the testator (blood relative)

Connecticut's antilapse statute (C.G.S. § 45a-441) substitutes the issue of a predeceased beneficiary only when the beneficiary was a kindred (blood relative) of the testator.

In Connecticut, which court has jurisdiction over the probate of wills and administration of decedents' estates?

Answer: Probate Court

Connecticut's Probate Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over probate of wills and administration of decedents' estates under C.G.S. § 45a-98.

A Connecticut Probate Court decree admitting a will to probate becomes final and uncontestable after what period if not appealed?

Answer: 90 days

Under C.G.S. § 45a-186, an appeal of a Probate Court decree must be taken to the Superior Court within 30 days; once that window closes the decree is final.