Connecticut Estate Planning Checklist

By William Burns Jr.

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Estate Planning

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Last Modified on Jul 28, 2026

Estate planning is a difficult subject for some people, but it’s a vital consideration for everyone, and it is never too soon to start thinking about your Connecticut estate planning checklist. While you can develop the framework for your estate plan on your own, you will need to hire an estate planning lawyer to help you transform your ideas into a cohesive and legally enforceable plan. You should know what elements you need to construct your plan so it suits your goals.

Understanding Your Connecticut Estate Planning Checklist

The purpose of a properly constructed estate plan is to leave a clear blueprint for your family after your death, covering what you wish to have done with the assets and property you leave behind. Taking time to work with a Connecticut estate planning attorney to create a comprehensive estate plan can not only help you minimize the risk of disputes arising among your beneficiaries, but also potentially eliminate their need to endure probate.

According to a recent 2025 survey from Pew Research, about 32% of American adults report having a last will and testament, and 31% report having a living will and advanced care directive that explains what type of medical care they wish to have if they become unable to make medical decisions for themselves.

Your estate plan should include:

• A will that explains how you wish your assets and property to be divided among your beneficiaries. You can clearly explain which assets you wish to leave to specific beneficiaries, and your attorney can help you go into close detail with these designations.
• A designation for a personal representative or executor to handle estate administration after your death. You should not only choose the person you trust the most to fulfill this role, but also nominate at least one or two other people whom you would trust with this responsibility if your first choice is unable or unwilling to handle estate administration.
• Clear instructions for assigning Power of Attorney to your chosen representative under certain conditions. This enables them to make legal decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
• An advance care directive that explains what medical care you wish to receive in certain situations. For example, you can designate under which conditions you would prefer to be taken off life support or what type of palliative care you would like to receive.
• A trust, which can be configured in a way that prevents your family from needing to go through the probate process, if the trust is configured correctly.

While you should have an idea of what you want your estate plan to include, it is just as important to know what you must present to your Connecticut estate planning attorney so they can make it happen:

• Provide your attorney with a complete and accurate list of your financial records, including real estate, valuable personal property, investment accounts, stock portfolios, retirement accounts, and all other assets.
• Gather proof of all of your debts, such as mortgages, credit cards, and personal loans.
• Compile a complete list of all your digital account credentials, such as your email addresses and their passwords, account information for online banking, cloud storage, and other digital passkeys.
• Identify any factors that require special consideration, such as planning care for an adult child with disabilities, guardianship designations, and your personal religious or spiritual beliefs when it comes to end-of-life medical care, funeral, and burial preferences.

When you bring this information to the Connecticut estate planning attorneys at Burns Thomas, LLC, we will carefully review your situation and assess your goals to help you craft a comprehensive estate plan. We can also help you revisit an older plan to address any recent changes in your life that need to be reflected in the document. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help you complete your Connecticut estate planning checklist.

FAQs

Can My Family Avoid Probate if I Create an Estate Plan in Connecticut?

Yes, it is possible to help your family avoid probate if you create an estate plan in Connecticut, but only if you configure the plan in such a way as to automatically transfer ownership of your assets upon your death. For example, an irrevocable living trust could protect your wealth from creditors and prevent your family from enduring prolonged probate proceedings, but it would not allow you to make any changes once you create it.

Can I Change My Will Once It’s Written?

Yes, you can change your will once it’s written, and it is generally a good idea to revisit and review your will every few years to make sure it accurately reflects your circumstances. If you experience a major life change, it’s a good idea to consult your Connecticut estate planning attorney to determine whether this change needs to be reflected in your will, and they can help you make appropriate changes.

How Long Does Probate Take in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, probate can take several months or even years to complete, depending on the total value and complexity of the estate and whether any beneficiaries of the estate raise disputes during the process. One of the greatest advantages of exploring estate planning is helping your family potentially avoid probate, or at least minimize how much time they must spend in probate proceedings.

Why Do I Need to Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?

You need to hire an estate planning lawyer to make a legally enforceable estate plan. You cannot create a complete and legally enforceable estate plan without an attorney’s help, even if you believe you have been as detailed as possible. While you can develop the framework for your plan on your own, you should bring this to a Connecticut estate planning attorney, and they can help you complete your Connecticut estate planning checklist.

Ultimately, while estate planning may be a difficult topic, you can demystify the process and feel more confident about your estate plan if you bring your Connecticut estate planning checklist to an experienced attorney.

Hire An Estate Planning Lawyer Today

The team at Burns Thomas, LLC has helped many clients throughout Connecticut create comprehensive estate plans, and we’ll put this experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Connecticut estate planning attorney.