Detailed Answer — How to submit an original will to a Connecticut probate court when you live out of state
This guide explains practical steps to get an original will to the correct Connecticut probate court, what paperwork the court will expect, and options if you cannot physically bring the document in yourself. It assumes the testator (the person who made the will) died domiciled in Connecticut or left property there. This is general information only and is not legal advice.
1) Confirm which Connecticut probate court has jurisdiction
File in the probate court for the town where the decedent was domiciled (their permanent legal residence) at the time of death. If you are unsure which town the decedent was domiciled in, start by contacting the Connecticut Probate Court system for help locating the correct court: Connecticut Probate Courts (Judicial Branch).
2) Call the clerk before sending anything
Every probate court has local office procedures. Call or email the clerk to confirm filing hours, current filing fee, whether they accept mailed originals, and whether they can provide a receipt or written docket entry when they receive a will. Clerks can tell you whether the court is accepting mailed submissions or prefers in-person filings.
3) Typical documents the court will want when you submit the original will
- Original will (the document itself).
- Official death certificate (a certified copy).
- Completed probate petition or application form to admit the will and appoint a fiduciary (executor/personal representative). Many courts provide a standard form—ask the clerk or check the court website.
- Contact information for the person filing (petitioner) and for nominated executor(s).
- Filing fee (check, money order, or online fee payment if available).
- Copies of the will for the court and for interested parties (not a substitute for the original).
4) Safe ways to get the original will to the court from out of state
- Mail the original by a tracked, insured, signature-required carrier (certified mail, UPS, FedEx) to the probate court clerk. Include a cover letter that identifies the decedent, your relationship, and request that the court docket and return confirmation to you. Keep copies of everything you send.
- Ask a trusted local contact (family member or friend) to hand-deliver the will to the probate office and obtain a dated receipt or docket number.
- Retain a Connecticut attorney or probate practitioner to file on your behalf. An attorney can appear, file the petition, and obtain certified copies of any probate letters. If you hire counsel, you can usually mail the original will to the attorney rather than to the court.
- If the will cannot safely travel (lost or seized), discuss alternatives below (admitting a copy/exemplified copy, affidavit, or ancillary probate).
5) What the court does when it receives the original will
When the probate clerk receives an original will with a petition to admit it, the court will typically docket the filing and begin the probate process. If the will is admitted, the court may appoint the named executor or request additional documentation before issuing fiduciary letters (letters testamentary). Ask the clerk how you will receive confirmation and any follow-up steps.
6) If you are concerned about sending the original document
- Keep a high-quality scanned copy for your records before sending the original.
- If the original is lost or remains in another state, Connecticut courts may accept an exemplified or certified copy from the foreign jurisdiction’s probate court or other proof of the original depending on circumstances. This can be a more complex process — contact the clerk or an attorney to confirm acceptable proof.
- If the will is not self-proving (no self-proving affidavit attached), witnesses may later be required to prove the will if an interested person contests it. This is why courts often prefer the original signed will with any self-proving affidavit if one exists.
7) Timing and practical advice
- There is no single short statutory deadline that forces immediate filing in most Connecticut estates, but delays can hinder access to bank accounts, transfer of property, and creditor claims. File as soon as reasonably possible.
- Obtain certified copies of letters testamentary or other court orders after appointment. Banks and title companies generally require certified copies to release assets.
- Keep careful records of what you mailed, tracking numbers, receipts, and correspondence with the court.
8) Where to read Connecticut statutes and official guidance
Connecticut law governing probate and estate administration appears in the Connecticut General Statutes under the probate provisions. For statutes and official resources, see:
- Connecticut General Statutes — Title 45a (Probate Proceedings)
- Connecticut Probate Courts (Judicial Branch) — local court contacts, forms, and procedural guidance
9) When you should consider getting an attorney
Consider hiring Connecticut counsel if any of the following apply:
- The will is contested or there are disputes among heirs.
- Significant assets are involved (real estate in Connecticut or large bank accounts).
- No executor is named or the named executor cannot serve.
- The original will is lost, or you believe someone is withholding the original.
- The decedent owned property in more than one state and an ancillary probate may be needed.
10) Quick step-by-step checklist
- Identify the decedent’s Connecticut domicile and the proper probate court.
- Contact the probate clerk to confirm local filing procedure, fees, and mailing address.
- Obtain an official death certificate.
- Make a high-quality copy or scan of the original will for your records.
- Prepare the petition to admit the will and any required forms (clerk can supply forms).
- Send the original by tracked/insured carrier or authorize a local person or attorney to deliver it in person.
- Keep proof of delivery, and follow up with the court to get the filing/docket number and next steps.
Helpful Hints
- Always get a receipt or a docket number from the probate court when the original will is delivered—this proves the court took custody of the will.
- If you mail the will, use a carrier and service that requires a signature and provides tracking and insurance.
- If you live out of state and expect ongoing administration tasks, consider appointing a Connecticut attorney to act on your behalf so you can avoid repeated travel.
- Keep multiple certified copies of the death certificate on hand; probate offices and banks often request them.
- Ask the clerk whether the court accepts emailed scanned documents as an initial step — some courts allow you to start the file remotely, but they still usually require the original later.
- If the will was executed in another state, an exemplified copy from that state’s probate court can sometimes be used; consult the Connecticut probate clerk or an attorney early.
- Record names and contact information for all parties who may be interested in the estate to make service and notice easier.
Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. Rules and procedures vary by court and can change. Contact the relevant Connecticut probate court clerk or a Connecticut attorney for advice tailored to your situation.