CT Bar CT Bar Wills Trusts & Estates 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Connecticut law, what is the minimum age to execute a valid will?
- 16
- 18 (Correct answer)
- 21
- No minimum age
Correct 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.
Question 2: How many witnesses must sign a Connecticut will for it to be valid?
- One
- Two (Correct answer)
- Three
- No witnesses required if notarized
Correct 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.
Question 3: Connecticut does NOT recognize which type of will?
- Attested will
- Self-proved will
- Holographic will (Correct answer)
- Nuncupative will in military service
Correct 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.
Question 4: 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?
- Any blood relative
- Lineal descendants of the testator only
- A kindred of the testator (blood relative) (Correct answer)
- Any named beneficiary regardless of relation
Correct 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.
Question 5: In Connecticut, which court has jurisdiction over the probate of wills and administration of decedents' estates?
- Superior Court
- Probate Court (Correct answer)
- Family Court
- Surrogate Court
Correct 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.
Question 6: A Connecticut Probate Court decree admitting a will to probate becomes final and uncontestable after what period if not appealed?
- 30 days
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 6 months
- 1 year
Correct 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.
CT Bar CT Bar Wills Trusts & Estates 1
Under Connecticut law, what is the minimum age to execute a valid will?