Intestate Succession in Connecticut
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Connecticut gives the surviving spouse a substantial share, with the remainder passing to children and more distant relatives in statutory order.
How Connecticut treats Intestate Succession
A surviving spouse receives the first $100,000 of the estate plus a percentage of the remainder depending on whether children exist. If the deceased leaves a spouse and one child, the spouse gets $100,000 plus half the remainder; with multiple children, the spouse receives $100,000 plus one-third of the remainder. Children and their descendants inherit the remaining share, and if no spouse or children survive, property passes to parents, siblings, and more distant relatives in order.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.