Connecticut Probate Form PC-188

Special Appearance of Servicemember

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: November 5, 2026

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About Special Appearance of Servicemember

The form lets an active-duty servicemember make a special appearance in a Connecticut Probate Court matter and state whether they can receive timely notice of hearings.

When you'd use it: The form is for an active member of the United States military services who wants to appear in a pending Probate Court matter, with a separate form for each pending petition.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Special Appearance of Servicemember is published as a PDF by the Connecticut courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Special Appearance of Servicemember (PDF) →

Source: ctprobate.gov

Link last checked: November 5, 2026

How to file Special Appearance of Servicemember in Connecticut

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Special Appearance of Servicemember (PC-188) when the form is for an active member of the United States military services who wants to appear in a pending Probate Court matter, with a separate form for each pending petition. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Connecticut probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Special Appearance of Servicemember carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Special Appearance of Servicemember to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Connecticut county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Special Appearance of Servicemember? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in Connecticut

See the full Connecticut probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Connecticut probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Special Appearance of Servicemember (PC-188)?
The form lets an active-duty servicemember make a special appearance in a Connecticut Probate Court matter and state whether they can receive timely notice of hearings. You'd typically use it when the form is for an active member of the United States military services who wants to appear in a pending Probate Court matter, with a separate form for each pending petition.
Where do I file Special Appearance of Servicemember in Connecticut?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Connecticut county where the deceased person lived. Our Connecticut probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Special Appearance of Servicemember?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Special Appearance of Servicemember available online?
Most Connecticut probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Connecticut Probate Forms

Affidavit in Proof of Will and/or CodicilPC-210Affidavit to Settle Full EstatePC-2107Bond WaiverPC-280Decedent's Estate Administration Account (Short Form)PC-242

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.