Quick answer: confirm there's no solely owned Connecticut real estate, total the solely owned personal property against $40,000, attach the heir list on PC-212A, and file with the Probate Court. Check whether an estate qualifies with the Connecticut small estate checker.
Step by step
- Confirm no solely owned real property exists anywhere in Connecticut (survivorship real estate is fine).
- Total the solely owned personal property against the $40,000 cap.
- Confirm assets exceed expenses and claims against the estate.
- Attach Form PC-212A listing all heirs and any beneficiaries under a purported will.
- Sign the affidavit under penalty of false statement.
- File with the Probate Court in the decedent's district.
The affidavit's own sworn language
The heir list rides along on a separate form
Form PC-212A, attached to the main affidavit, includes the names and addresses for all heirs of the decedent and any beneficiaries under a purported will — the court needs this full picture before authorizing any transfer.
Assets have to outweigh what's owed
The affidavit isn't available if debts and expenses relating to the estate would exceed what the estate actually holds — assets must exceed the expenses and claims involved, not just fall under the $40,000 cap.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Hartford, Stamford, and New Haven each process Form PC-212 through their own probate district, but §45a-273's conditions apply identically across all 54 districts.