Overview — What appointment as an administrator means

An administrator (sometimes called an administrator de bonis non or administrator with will annexed, depending on context) is the person the probate court appoints to manage and settle a decedent’s estate when there is no qualified executor named in a valid will. A co-administrator is two or more people appointed to share those duties. The administrator’s formal authority comes from the probate court in the form of letters of appointment (letters of administration), which allow the administrator to collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the estate under Connecticut law.

Who is eligible and who has priority?

The probate court follows a statutory order of priority to decide who should be appointed when more than one person asks. Priority typically follows the closest family relationships: surviving spouse, adult children, other next of kin. The court favors persons who are willing and qualified to serve. Factors the court considers include the applicant’s relationship to the decedent, age, mental capacity, residence, criminal convictions that bear on trustworthiness, and whether the applicant is living out of state.

For an authoritative source on probate rules and priorities, see the Connecticut Probate Court resources and statutes: Connecticut Judicial Branch — Probate Courts: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/. For the statutory framework governing probate appointments, see the Connecticut General Assembly’s statutes on probate matters: Conn. Gen. Stat., Probate Courts (Title 45a).

Step-by-step: How to be appointed as administrator or co-administrator in Connecticut

1. Confirm there is no qualified executor named or willing to serve.

   If the decedent left a valid will that names an executor who is able and willing to serve, the court will generally appoint that person. If the named executor is unavailable, unwilling, disqualified, or there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator from the statutory priority list.

2. Identify the correct probate district.

   File in the probate court for the district where the decedent lived at death. The Connecticut Judicial Branch website lists probate districts and contact information: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/.

3. Prepare and file a petition for appointment.

   You (or your attorney) must file a formal petition or application for appointment as administrator (or co-administrator). The petition will ask for basic information about the decedent, heirs, assets, and debts. Expect to provide an original or certified copy of the decedent’s death certificate and, if there is a will, the original will.

4. Provide required supporting documents.

   Typical supporting documents include the death certificate, will (if any), a list of potential heirs and beneficiaries with contact information, and a preliminary inventory of assets (bank accounts, real estate, personal property). The court may require identification and residency proof for the applicant.

5. Notify interested persons and creditors.

   The court may require notice to heirs, named beneficiaries, and known creditors. Connecticut law governs notice and creditor claims procedures; the administrator must follow those timelines and methods, which can include publication for unknown creditors.

6. Attend any required hearing.

   Some appointments are routine and handled without a hearing. If multiple people request appointment or a party objects, the court will hold a hearing to decide. Be prepared to explain why you are suitable and to address any objections.

7. Post bond if required.

   The court frequently requires an administrator to post a surety bond to protect estate creditors and beneficiaries. Some wills waive bond; if the court finds a waiver is not in the estate’s or beneficiaries’ best interests, it can still require bond.

8. Receive letters of administration and act on them.

   Once appointed, the court issues letters of administration (proof of authority). Use these to access accounts, transfer property, and settle the estate. Keep careful records and file inventories, accountings, and tax returns as required by the probate court and state and federal tax authorities.

9. If requesting co-administrators, provide justification and agreement.

   To be appointed as co-administrators, applicants typically file a joint petition asking the court to appoint two or more people. The court will assess whether shared administration is practical and in the estate’s best interest. The court may require a written agreement describing how you will divide duties and resolve disputes.

Common issues that can affect appointment

• Disputes among potential administrators or heirs can lead to hearings and delay.
• The court may refuse to appoint someone with a recent felony conviction or who appears incompetent or unavailable.
• Out-of-state residents can serve, but the court may consider practical concerns and bonding issues.
• If an interested person objects to your appointment, the court will resolve the dispute after a hearing.

Practical duties after appointment

After you get letters of administration, typical duties include:

• Locating and securing assets.
• Obtaining business as needed (appraisals, title searches).
• Notifying creditors and paying valid debts and expenses.
• Filing required inventories and accountings with the probate court.
• Filing estate and final income tax returns.
• Distributing remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries according to intestacy laws or the will.

When to consult an attorney

Consider hiring a Connecticut probate attorney when the estate is complex (real estate, business interests, tax issues), when there are disputes among heirs, when substantial creditor claims exist, or if you face personal liability concerns (bonding, conflicts of interest). An attorney can prepare petitions, represent you at hearings, and help ensure you meet court deadlines and filing requirements.

Helpful Hints

• Bring the certified death certificate to your initial probate filing.
• Prepare a list of the decedent’s likely heirs and contact information before filing.
• Ask the probate clerk for the local filing checklist and forms; procedures vary by district: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/.
• Keep meticulous records of all receipts, expenses, and communications — you will need these for inventories and accountings.
• If co-administrators are appointed, document how decisions will be made and who will handle which duties to avoid disputes.
• Ask whether the will waives bond; even if it does, the court can nevertheless require bond in some cases.
• Expect the probate process to take months for simple estates and longer for complex or contested ones.