Laws of Intestacy

Navigating Connecticut’s Intestacy Laws: Why Estate Planning Matters for Everyone

In the nuanced landscape of estate planning and probate administration, Connecticut’s laws governing intestacy distribution of a decedent’s assets are often a driving factor in the need for an estate plan. Let’s delve deeper into what happens when someone passes away without a will in Connecticut, known as intestate, and why having a personalized estate plan is crucial, regardless of financial status.

Understanding Intestacy Distribution in Connecticut:

When someone in Connecticut passes away without a will, the state’s laws step in to determine how their assets will be distributed. This process, known as intestacy distribution, follows a set pattern based on familial relationships.

For instance, if a Connecticut resident dies without a will and is survived by their spouse and children, the spouse does not inherit the entire estate as many may assume. Instead, the surviving spouse receives the first $100,000 of the decedent’s intestate property and then half of the remaining portion of assets, with the rest divided among the children equally. This distribution might not align with the deceased’s wishes, particularly if they intended for their spouse to inherit everything. This can become complex and costly if real estate is involved.

Estate Planning is Not Just for the Wealthy:

It’s a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. In reality, estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of financial status. Whether you have substantial assets or modest belongings, having a will ensures that your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are provided for according to your desires. If you own a home or condo, an estate plan is crucial. If you own a car, have a savings account or even a beloved collection, an estate plan will ensure someone you love of your choosing receives those items.

The Importance of a Will:

We understand that estate planning can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Your estate plan can consist of a last will and testament that is a simple and concise document, or it can include a complex trust document that provides for generations to come. At Doyon & White Law Group, we will work with you and your budget to allow you to specify how you want your assets distributed, designate guardians for minor children, and even outline your preferences for healthcare decisions in case of incapacity.

Our attorneys and paralegals offer superior client services and custom plans tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Our firm focuses on custom estate planning and compassionate probate administration and complex probate litigation. This wholistic approach to the probate legal field has prepared us to take on complex family dynamics, concerns for possible litigation, high value estates in addition to simple wills.

Our compassionate team is dedicated to guiding you through the estate planning process with care and knowledge. Whether you’re considering drafting a will, establishing a trust, or navigating probate matters, we’re here to provide the support and legal assistance you need.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with Doyon & White Law Group, PLLC or its attorneys. We make no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information. Any reliance on the content is at your own risk. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney. Doyon & White Law Group, PLLC and its authors are not liable for any damages or losses resulting from the use of this information.

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What is Probate Administration?

Probate Administration is the legal process that occurs when someone passes away. It involves validating the will, if there is one, paying off creditors, and

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Linda Baker

Linda is the seasoned probate paralegal working together with clients helping them through probate administration following the loss of a loved one. Joining the team in 2023, she has brought 25+ years of legal experience to the firm with extensive proficiency in all administrative tasks, Probate Court knowledge, complex document preparation, and case management. Linda works exceedingly well the court’s staff and cultivates close relationships with new and existing clientele.

Linda is a long-time resident of the area and loves going for walks on the beach before work. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken, and their three grown children. She enjoys road trips, is an avid reader, collector of sea glass and is an amateur artist. 

Ashley Davis

Ashley Davis paralegal Doyon & White Law Group

Ashley is the paralegal working directly with our attorneys and our clients. The attorneys at Doyon & White are grateful that our clients feel comfortable reaching out to Ashley for status updates or quick questions when the attorneys are unavailable. Ashley has a background in customer service with 10 years in the hotel industry and enjoys the client relation aspect of her job the most. Ashley is intimately familiar with the details of our client’s cases, processes and reviews all medical records, and communicates with attorneys and insurance adjusters.

Ashley moved to Branford, Conn from Northern California in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since. She enjoys the four seasons New England offers by playing golf and tennis in the summer and looks forward to snow days and skiing in the winter.

Trevor Doyon, Esq.

attorney Trevor Doyon Doyon & White Law Group

Attorney Doyon was born and raised in the hills of Northwest Connecticut. Trevor began his legal career serving as the clerk for several Superior Court Judges, many of whom are now members of the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts.

Before forming Doyon & White Law Group, Trevor was the Managing Partner of a successful mid-size law-firm’s Litigation Department.  Trevor has favorably authored and argued hundreds of motions and hearings in every Judicial District of Connecticut, in addition to winning numerous contested arbitrations and jury trial verdicts. Attorney Doyon is known and respected for his determined approach to unique and difficult legal issues by clients and judges alike.

Trevor has been honored as a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, a selection made by colleagues and peers and reserved for less than five percent of lawyers in Connecticut. Attorney Doyon has also been nominated to the “National Trial Lawyer’s Top 100” list, was recognized by the American Institute for Lawyers as “Top 10 for Client Satisfaction,” and has been a featured guest speaker at Yale University’s Trial Law Camp.

When he’s not in Court, Trevor enjoys spending time with his wife Becky, their two daughters and their Great Dane “Gronk,” in addition to supporting anything UConn sports and coaching Connecticut’s only national level Sled Hockey team.

Patrick White, Esq.

Attorney Patrick White Doyon & White Law Group

Attorney White was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. After graduation from Fordham University, he worked in commercial finance in New York City before attending Quinnipiac University School of Law. Upon graduation he served as a clerk in the Superior Court in both the criminal and civil divisions.

Prior to forming Doyon & White Law Group, Attorney White practiced at a mid-size firm in Hamden, Connecticut where he mainly handled criminal defense, habeas cases, and civil litigation matters. Attorney White’s experience arguing before jury trials and court trials has led to winning favorable results for his clients on many occasions. Attorney White’s civil litigation experience includes personal injury representation, business litigation, and insurance coverage disputes.

Attorney White is a thoughtful and diligent advocate for all his clients and is respected for the rapport he builds and compassion he conveys.

Attorney White is a member of the New Haven County Bar Association and previously served as the President of the New Haven Young Lawyers Association.

Still a proud New Haven resident, Attorney White enjoys spending time in the city with his wife Sara, their two young children, and their pit bull, Ghost. He’s an avid UConn basketball fan and New York Yankees fan.