Connecticut Probate Court Forms: A Practical Guide
Connecticut probate courts use standardized forms for virtually every filing. The forms are published by the Probate Court Administrator and are required in all 54 districts. Using the correct form, completed accurately, is the single most important step in avoiding delays.
Where to Find Forms
All current probate court forms are available for free download at ctprobate.gov/forms-list. The forms are organized by subject matter and numbered in series. They are available as fillable PDFs that can be completed on your computer before printing or uploading through the eFiling system.
Do not use outdated forms. The Probate Court Administrator updates forms periodically to reflect changes in the law and court rules. Always download the current version from the official site before filing.
PC-200 Series: Estate Forms
The PC-200 series covers decedent’s estate matters. These are the forms you will use most frequently when someone dies and their estate requires probate court involvement.
Key Estate Forms
PC-200: Application for Probate of Will or Administration This is the primary form for opening an estate. Use it whether the decedent left a will (testate) or died without one (intestate). The form collects information about the decedent, the proposed fiduciary, heirs, and beneficiaries. File it with the original will (if any), a certified death certificate, and the required filing fee.
PC-212: Affidavit in Lieu of Administration (Small Estate) For estates that qualify under CGS Section 45a-273, the PC-212 allows a simplified process without a full estate administration. This option is available when the estate consists solely of certain types of property and the total value falls within the statutory limits. It is significantly faster and less expensive than opening a full estate.
PC-241: Inventory The fiduciary must file an inventory of estate assets within two months of appointment (extendable for cause). The PC-241 lists all assets, their values as of the date of death, and the form of ownership.
PC-244: Return of Claims After the statutory claims period expires, the fiduciary files this form to report what claims creditors have submitted against the estate.
PC-246: Financial Report / Periodic Account Used for interim and final accountings. The financial report details all receipts, disbursements, and distributions during the accounting period.
PC-250: Motion for Decree of Distribution Filed when the estate is ready to close, requesting the court’s approval to distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Other PC-200 series forms cover specific situations: sale of real property (PC-230), tax matters, fiduciary bonds, and modifications to administration.
PC-300 Series: Conservatorship Forms
The PC-300 series covers conservatorship proceedings for adults who are unable to manage their personal or financial affairs.
Key Conservatorship Forms
PC-300: Application for Appointment of Conservator The primary petition form. It requires detailed information about the respondent, the petitioner, the respondent’s condition, and the type of conservatorship sought (person, estate, or both).
PC-302: Physician’s Report A medical report supporting the need for conservatorship. This form must be completed by a licensed physician who has examined the respondent.
PC-310: Inventory of Conservatorship Estate Filed after appointment, listing the conserved person’s assets.
PC-320: Financial Report / Account Periodic accounting of the conservator’s management of the conserved person’s estate, required annually.
PC-330: Care Plan A conservator of the person must file a care plan describing how the conserved person’s needs for housing, medical care, and daily living are being met.
Other PC-300 series forms address modifications, terminations, periodic reviews, and specific authorizations (sale of property, gifting, changes in residence).
PC-500 Series: Guardianship Forms
The PC-500 series covers guardianship of minors and guardianship of adults with intellectual disability.
Key Guardianship Forms
PC-500: Application for Appointment of Guardian of the Person of a Minor Child Used when a non-parent seeks guardianship of a minor. The form requires information about the child, the proposed guardian, and the reasons the parents cannot serve.
PC-501: Consent to Guardianship A parent’s written consent to the appointment of a guardian for their child.
PC-502: Application for Temporary Guardianship For emergency or short-term situations requiring immediate guardian appointment.
PC-600 series: Forms for guardianship of adults with intellectual disability follow a separate numbering system. PC-600 is the application for appointment of a plenary or limited guardian.
Other Commonly Used Forms
Beyond the three major series, several other forms come up regularly:
- PC-900: Petition for Change of Name (name change proceedings)
- PC-700 series: Adoption forms, including applications, consents, and reports
- PC-800 series: Commitment proceedings for psychiatric disability and substance use disorders
- PC-400 series: Trust-related filings
Tips for Completing Forms Correctly
Read the instructions first. Every form has accompanying instructions. They identify required attachments, explain when the form should be used, and flag common errors.
Use the fillable PDF. Typing your entries produces cleaner, more legible filings. Handwritten forms are accepted but are more likely to contain errors that slow processing.
Complete every field. If a field does not apply, enter “N/A” or “Not Applicable.” Blank fields invite questions from the court and potential rejection.
Provide full legal names. Use the decedent’s full legal name as it appears on official documents. Nicknames and abbreviations cause confusion.
Double-check addresses. The court uses the addresses you provide for mailing notices. An incorrect address means notice fails, and the proceeding stalls.
Attach all required documents. Missing attachments are the most common reason filings are returned. Cross-reference the form’s instructions against your submission packet before you file.
Sign and date where required. Some forms require notarization. Verify before you submit.
eFiling vs. Paper Submission
The CT Probate Court eFiling system accepts most probate forms electronically. The advantages are real:
- Instant submission, with confirmation of receipt
- Automatic fee calculation and electronic payment
- No trips to the courthouse
- Available 24/7
Paper filing remains an option for every form. Some filers, particularly self-represented parties unfamiliar with the eFiling system, may find paper more comfortable. Both methods are equally valid.
One critical exception: original wills must be submitted in physical form. You cannot eFile an original will. Deliver it to the court in person or by mail.
When You Are Not Sure Which Form to Use
If you are uncertain about which form applies to your situation, you have several options:
- Call the clerk’s office at your probate district. Court staff can direct you to the correct form, though they cannot provide legal advice.
- Review the forms list at ctprobate.gov/forms-list. Forms are organized by subject.
- Consult with an attorney. An experienced probate practitioner can identify the correct filing path and help you avoid procedural missteps.
For detailed guidance on specific proceedings, see our step-by-step probate guide (estates), filing a conservatorship petition (conservatorship), or guardianship of minors (guardianship).