Probate and Estate Administration Law

Hartford, Connecticut Probate and Estate Administration Law

The probate and estate administration attorneys at Jackson, O'Keefe and Phelan advise executors and personal representatives of estates throughout Connecticut. The firm's lawyers work with estate representatives to gather, value and provide an accounting of the assets of the estate. The probate administration group will then shepherd the estate through the probate process, helping the personal representative ensure the orderly distribution of the decedent's estate in accordance with his or her wishes.

If you have been appointed as executor of the estate of a loved one, Jackson, O'Keefe and Phelan can help you successfully navigate the probate process. Contact the firm to arrange a confidential consultation.

The attorneys at Jackson, O'Keefe and Phelan handle all aspects of probate and estate administration. In the probate process, the probate court oversees the distribution of an estate, ensuring that assets are transferred in accordance with the decedent's wishes, generally as set forth in a will. The terms of the will may identify how the individual's debts are paid, who will have custody of minor children (if there is no spouse) and how assets are distributed upon death. The will may specifically bequeath certain property to designated individuals or it may indicate that the beneficiaries will share the estate, without clarifying how that will happen. When there are uncertainties in the will, the probate court will determine how those provisions will be interpreted.

In some situations, a party may die without a will or the decedent's last will and testament may be declared invalid by the probate court, often in instances where the decedent's mental capacity at the time of the will is found to be lacking. In such cases, the decedent is considered to have died "intestate," and the estate will be distributed according to state intestacy laws.

The estate administration process includes the distribution of assets through probate as well as non-probate transfers of the decedent's assets, including life insurance, annuities, qualified retirement plans and trust assets.

Jackson, O'Keefe and Phelan will prepare all documents necessary to successfully complete the probate and estate administration process, as well as all federal and state tax returns associated with the distribution of the estate.

Jackson, O'Keefe and Phelan has represented individuals and families in probate and estate administration matters for over 50 years. Contact the firm to schedule a confidential consultation.

Jackson, O'Keefe and Phelan
Hartford Probate Administration Attorneys