State requirements
Making a will in Connecticut
Connecticut lists 2 witnesses, does not recognize holographic wills, and offers a self-proving affidavit that speeds up probate. These are educational source notes, not a certification of an individual document. Verify the current official rules before signing.
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Witnesses
2 witnesses
Notarization
Optional (affidavit)
Holographic wills
Not recognized
Self-proving affidavit
Available
Overview
Connecticut has traditional will requirements. Connecticut does NOT recognize holographic wills. Connecticut is NOT a community property state but has statutory share protections.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Testamentary Capacity | C.G.S. § 45a-250 | 18+ and of sound mind |
| Execution Requirements | C.G.S. § 45a-251 | Written, signed, 2 witnesses |
| Self-Proving | C.G.S. § 45a-285 | Available with affidavit |
| Statutory Share | C.G.S. § 45a-436 | Life estate in 1/3 of property |
Execution Requirements
CONNECTICUT WILL REQUIREMENTS:
✓ In writing
✓ Signed by testator
✓ Attested by 2 witnesses
✓ Witnesses sign in testator's presence
⚠️ NO holographic wills recognized
Statutory Share
CONNECTICUT STATUTORY SHARE:
- Surviving spouse entitled to life estate in 1/3 of property
- May elect against will to receive statutory share
- Must elect within 150 days of return of inventory
Connecticut Estate Tax
CONNECTICUT ESTATE TAX:
- Connecticut has state estate tax
- Unified with gift tax
- Exemption amount indexed for inflation
- Rates from 11.6% to 12%
Checklist for Connecticut Wills
- •[ ] Testator is 18+ and of sound mind
- •[ ] Will is written
- •[ ] Testator signed
- •[ ] 2 witnesses signed in testator's presence
- •[ ] Self-proving affidavit completed
- •[ ] Statutory share rights considered
Connecticut will questions, answered
Can I make a will online in Connecticut?
You can prepare wishes online, but the method of drafting alone does not establish validity. Check Connecticut requirements, your circumstances and the currently supported drafting scope. Professional review is separate.
How many witnesses does a will need in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires 2 witnesses. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries — an interested witness can jeopardize their gift or invite a contest.
Does Connecticut require a will to be notarized?
Notarization and witnessing serve different purposes. Check the rules for your particular Connecticut document; neither action alone establishes validity. A notary is used for the optional self-proving affidavit, which lets the probate court accept the will without contacting your witnesses.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut does not recognize holographic (unwitnessed handwritten) wills made in the state. Your will must be properly witnessed to be valid.
What makes a will legally valid in Connecticut?
Connecticut sets out what happens at signing: the will is in writing, the person making it is 18 or older and of sound mind, they sign it, and 2 witnesses who are not beneficiaries sign it as well. A notary is not part of that list — notarization belongs to the optional self-proving affidavit. Capacity and freedom from pressure matter as much as the formalities, and statutes change, so read the current Connecticut source above and get local help for your circumstances.
Keep reading
All guides →Your Connecticut wishes, thoughtfully prepared.
Start with your location and supported circumstances. A public guide does not mean generation is currently open. Professional review and signing remain separate steps.
Check drafting availabilityThis page is general information about Connecticut law, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current requirements or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney for complex situations.