What to Do When Someone Dies in Connecticut

Connecticut’s combined gift-and-estate tax system is genuinely unusual among states, and worth understanding if lifetime gifts were part of someone’s financial picture.

How do I get a death certificate in Connecticut?

Certified death certificates in Connecticut are issued through the Connecticut Department of Public Health Vital Records office, or often through the local town clerk. The funeral home typically handles ordering these on your behalf.

What court handles probate in Connecticut?

Connecticut has a dedicated statewide Probate Court system, with judges assigned to specific probate districts covering groups of towns - distinct from Connecticut’s general civil court system.

What makes Connecticut’s tax system distinctive?

Connecticut is one of the only states with a standalone state gift tax, combined with its estate tax into a single unified system. This means significant lifetime gifts can factor into the same overall exemption calculation used for the estate tax at death - a structure most other states don’t have. If the deceased made substantial lifetime gifts, this is genuinely worth discussing with an estate attorney familiar with Connecticut’s specific rules, since it works differently than in most states.

Is there a simplified process for small estates in Connecticut?

Yes - Connecticut offers a simplified procedure for smaller qualifying estates, generally faster than full formal probate administration.

Where can I get help?

• Connecticut Department of Public Health for death certificate questions
• Connecticut Probate Court for probate district and process questions
• Connecticut Bar Association referral services for attorney referrals, including estate and probate specialists

Connecticut law can change, and specific tax rules and exemptions are adjusted periodically. This is general educational information, not legal or tax advice — please consult a Connecticut-licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.