State requirements
Making a will in Connecticut
Connecticut requires 2 adult witnesses, does not recognize holographic wills, and offers a self-proving affidavit that speeds up probate. Every rule below is drawn from the statute.
Witnesses
2 adults
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?
Yes. Connecticut does not require a lawyer to draft a will. A will created online is valid in Connecticut when it is properly executed — in writing, signed by a testator aged 18+ of sound mind, and witnessed by 2 adult witnesses.
How many witnesses does a will need in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires 2 adult 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?
No. Witnesses make a will valid in Connecticut, not a notary. 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?
A valid Connecticut will is in writing, made by a person aged 18+ of sound mind, signed by the testator, and attested by 2 adult witnesses.
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Start my will — $29This page is general information about Connecticut law, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current requirements or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney for complex situations.