Detailed answer — how the process works in Connecticut

1) Who has standing to ask the court to reconsider?

Any interested person can ask a probate court to reconsider an appointment. As the sole intestate heir, you are an “interested person” with a strong claim to appointment as administrator. An interested person generally includes heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, and sometimes other parties with a financial interest in the estate.

2) Legal basis to remove the administrator

The probate court can revoke letters of administration and remove an administrator for several reasons, including (but not limited to):

• the administrator was not properly appointed (procedural defect);
• the administrator fails to qualify or to give required bond;
• misconduct, theft, conversion, or serious neglect of duties;
• conflict of interest or self-dealing that harms the estate;
• incapacity or incompetence that prevents administration;
• a later-arising superior right to appointment (for example, where a sole heir appears who was unknown at the time of appointment).

Connecticut probate courts supervise fiduciaries and have authority to revoke or limit letters and to remove fiduciaries when justified. For general statutory text and probate rules, consult the Connecticut General Assembly and the Connecticut Judicial Branch probate pages: Connecticut General Assembly (statutes) and Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate.

3) Evidence that helps a removal or revocation petition

Courts want clear, specific evidence. Useful evidence includes:

• documents showing you are the sole heir (death certificate, family records, marriage certificates, birth records, affidavits from knowledgeable persons);
• the letters of administration and any bond or inventory the administrator filed;
• bills, bank records, or other proof showing misappropriation, conversion, or waste of estate assets;
• communications showing refusal to cooperate, refusal to provide inventory/accounting, or other neglect;
• witness statements describing misconduct or incapacity; and
• any criminal charges or civil judgments against the administrator that bear on fitness to serve.

4) Step‑by‑step procedure to seek revocation and replacement

1. Identify which probate court issued the letters. File your papers in that court.
2. Prepare and file a written petition with the probate court asking either (a) revocation of letters of administration and removal of the administrator, and (b) appointment of you as administrator — or at minimum, a petition for an accounting, citation, or temporary restraining order if assets are at risk. Use the court’s local forms if available.
3. Attach or be ready to produce evidence: heirship proof, copies of letters, inventory (if any), bank records, and declarations or affidavits supporting your claims.
4. Serve the petition and any hearing notices on the current administrator and all other interested parties according to the probate court’s rules.
5. Request interim relief if needed (for example, an order preventing the administrator from disposing of assets or requiring an immediate accounting or bond increase).
6. Attend the hearing with your evidence. Be prepared to explain why removal is warranted and why appointing you serves the estate and creditors.
7. If the court revokes the letters, the court will decide who to appoint next. If you remain qualified and there are no legal disqualifications, the court can appoint you as administrator.

Probate courts follow local rules and procedures; call the clerk of the probate court to confirm form names, filing fees, service methods, and hearing scheduling.

5) What a court will consider when deciding removal and appointment

The court balances the estate’s best interests, protection of creditors, and fairness to heirs. Key factors include:

• severity and credibility of allegations against the administrator;
• evidence that assets are safe and that creditors will be paid;
• whether the administrator can cure the problem if the court imposes conditions (bond increase, supervision, limited authority);
• whether the proposed replacement (you) is qualified and able to serve; and
• the urgency of preserving estate assets.

6) Timing and practical considerations

Act promptly. The longer an administrator serves without challenge, the more complicated recovery can become if assets have been dissipated. If you suspect theft or criminal conduct, contact law enforcement and notify the probate court. If assets are at risk, request emergency relief from the court.

7) Possible outcomes

• The court revokes letters and appoints you as administrator.
• The court removes the administrator but appoints a different person (for example, a neutral professional) if you are disqualified or the court prefers another option.
• The court denies revocation and either allows the current administrator to continue or imposes conditions (supervision, required accounting, bonding, or limited authority).
• The court orders financial relief to the estate (surcharge, restitution) if misconduct is proven.

Helpful hints

• Contact the clerk of the probate court that issued the letters early to learn exact filing requirements and available forms: Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate.
• Collect proof of heirship before filing: death certificate, family records, and sworn affidavits.
• Request an inventory and accounting from the administrator. If they refuse, ask the court for a citation to compel production.
• If you suspect fraud or theft, preserve evidence (screenshots, bank statements) and consider notifying police.
• Ask the court to freeze or restrain transfers of estate assets while the petition is pending if dissipation is a risk.
• Consider hiring an attorney experienced in Connecticut probate law if the estate is large, contested, or complex — this is often the most efficient way to protect estate assets and your rights.
• Be prepared to offer a bond if you seek appointment; the court may require a bond to protect creditors and heirs.
• Keep communications written and documented. Deliver copies of formal requests through certified mail or as required by the court so there is proof of service.

Where to find statutes, forms, and more information

Connecticut does not use a single nationwide probate code. Relevant resources include:

• Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate Court information and local contacts: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/
• Connecticut General Assembly — statutes and legislative resources (search for “probate,” “administration,” or “fiduciary”): https://www.cga.ct.gov/
• Local probate court clerks and court rules — they can identify the exact forms and procedures for petitions to revoke or remove fiduciaries.