Short answer. Up to $40,000; no notary on the official form; through a court office.
At a glance
- Limit
- Personal property in the person's name alone up to $40,000. Solely owned real estate in the state rules the procedure out; survivorship real estate doesn't, and survivorship assets over $40,000 don't count against the limit.
- Notary
- Signed under penalty of false statement; the form has no notary block.
- Where it goes
- Filed with the probate court for the district where the person lived, with a copy of the death certificate; the judge authorizes the transfers.
- Official form
- PC-212, Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration. Filed with PC-212CI (confidential information) and, if assets remain after expenses and claims, PC-212A (request for order of distribution). Open it
- Simplified procedure
- Affidavit in lieu of probate of will or administration. The small estate procedure itself: a probate court process, not a document handed to a bank.
- Surviving spouse
- The surviving spouse can be the petitioner; if there is none, a next of kin.
In the official wording
Limit
"the total value of all of the decedent's personal property does not exceed $40,000"
Notary
"The representations made in this affidavit are made under penalty of false statement."
Where it goes
"The petition must be filed in the court for the probate district where the decedent resided."
Spouse
"The petitioner is the surviving spouse of the decedent."
Three example estates
For a death on November 7, 2025, the stated limit gives:
- $10,000: under the stated limit. See why
- $36,000: under the stated limit. See why
- $60,000: over the stated limit. See why
Your own numbers: open the checker for this state.
Worth knowing
The probate courts' guide says a Connecticut estate tax return is required for a small estate too.
Not stated on the pages we read: a waiting period.
Official sources
- Connecticut Probate Courts form PC-212, Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration (rev. 07/23) (checked November 2026)
- Connecticut Probate Courts: User guide, administration of decedents' estates (PDF) (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Each holder may still ask for its own form, and a lawyer can confirm whether the estate qualifies.
Common questions
What is the small estate limit in Connecticut?
Up to $40,000. Personal property in the person's name alone up to $40,000. Solely owned real estate in the state rules the procedure out; survivorship real estate doesn't, and survivorship assets over $40,000 don't count against the limit.
Does a Connecticut small estate affidavit need a notary?
Not under the official form. Signed under penalty of false statement; the form has no notary block.
Is it filed with a court in Connecticut?
Yes. Filed with the probate court for the district where the person lived, with a copy of the death certificate; the judge authorizes the transfers.
Can real estate pass this way in Connecticut?
Owning it rules the procedure out.
Is there anything for a surviving spouse in Connecticut?
The surviving spouse can be the petitioner; if there is none, a next of kin.
Is there an official Connecticut form?
PC-212, Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration. Filed with PC-212CI (confidential information) and, if assets remain after expenses and claims, PC-212A (request for order of distribution).
All states: small estate affidavit by state · Colorado · Michigan · Small estate affidavit: signing and notary checks