Where do I file for probate in New London County?

You must file in the probate district where the decedent resided. For New London City, file at the New London Probate Court (181 State St). For other towns (e.g., Norwich, Groton), check the CT Probate Directory for the correct district court.

How much does probate cost in New London County?

Fees are set by state statute based on the gross estate value. They start at $25 for very small estates and scale up (e.g., an estate of $300,000 has a fee of roughly $1,165).

Can I avoid probate in New London County with a small estate?

Yes, if the estate has no real property and solely owned assets are valued at $40,000 or less, you can file an 'Affidavit in Lieu of Probate' (Form PC-212) to settle the estate without full administration.

How long does probate take in New London County?

A standard probate case takes about 9 to 12 months. This includes a mandatory 150-day (5-month) period for creditors to file claims.

Do I need an attorney for probate in New London County?

Connecticut does not require an attorney for probate, and court clerks can assist with procedural questions. However, for complex estates or if real estate is involved, hiring an attorney is highly recommended.

New London County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

New London County is located in Connecticut with a population of approximately 270,000. The New London Probate Court (District 31) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the district at the time of death. Note that Connecticut probate is organized by districts; New London County contains multiple districts (e.g., Norwich, Niantic), but the New London Probate Court serves the county seat and surrounding areas.

Connecticut probate is governed by Title 45a of the Connecticut General Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration or Probate of Will (Form PC-200) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Fiduciary's Probate Certificate (similar to Letters Testamentary/Administration) for the estate.

Connecticut offers a simplified procedure known as the Affidavit in Lieu of Probate (Form PC-212) for small estates valued at $40,000 or less, provided the decedent owned no real property.

Probate fees in Connecticut are statutory and calculated based on the gross taxable estate (including non-probate assets). Fees start at $25 and scale with the estate's value.

This guide provides an informational overview of the New London County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.

Courthouse Information

New London Probate Court (District 31)

Probate matters in New London County (specifically the New London district) are handled at the New London Probate Court.

Address: 181 State St, Room 2, New London, CT 06320

Phone: (860) 443-7121 (Probate Division)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Probate Judge: Hon. Mathew H. Greene

The court is located in the Municipal Building on State Street. It serves the City of New London and the Town of Waterford. Residents of other towns in New London County should check the Connecticut Probate Court Directory to find their specific district (e.g., Norwich, Saybrook, etc.).

Parking and Access

Street parking is available along State Street and surrounding blocks. There is also a municipal parking garage on Water Street, a short walk from the courthouse. Visitors pass through security screening upon entering the building.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Affidavit in Lieu of Probate (Small Estate): If the estate consists of personal property only (no real estate) and is valued at $40,000 or less, you may file Form PC-212.
Survivorship/Joint Tenancy: Assets held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the surviving owner.
Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.

Step 2: File the Petition

If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Administration or Probate of Will (Form PC-200) with the New London Probate Court. Include:

Original Will and Codicils (if any)
Certified Death Certificate
Form PC-212A (Request for Waiver of Probate Bond) if applicable
Filing fee (often calculated later, but an entry fee may apply)
Copy of the petition for each interested party

E-filing is available and encouraged through the Connecticut Probate Court eFiling system (TurboCourt).

Step 3: Provide Notice

After filing, you must:

Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (unless waived).
Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in New London County (e.g., The Day) if the court orders it or if heirs are unknown.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, appoints the fiduciary and issues the Fiduciary's Probate Certificate.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving the Certificate, the personal representative must:

Notify creditors (the court typically publishes a notice to creditors; the statutory claims period is 150 days).
Inventory and appraise all estate assets and file an Inventory (Form PC-440) within 2 months.
Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
File the Connecticut Estate Tax Return (Form CT-706 NT or CT-706/709) with the Probate Court.
Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
File a Financial Report (Form PC-246) to close the estate.

Local Requirements

New London County-Specific Procedures

E-filing: The Connecticut Probate Courts use a centralized e-filing system (TurboCourt). Attorneys are required to e-file; self-represented parties are encouraged to do so.
Probate Districts: New London County is divided into multiple probate districts. Ensure you are filing in the correct district based on the decedent's residence (e.g., New London PD-31, Norwich PD-29, etc.).
Bond: The court may require a probate bond unless the will waives it or all heirs/beneficiaries waive it and the court approves.
Publication: Notice to creditors is typically handled by the court clerk publishing in The Day or another local paper.

Always check with the specific probate district clerk for any unique local rules or scheduling preferences.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (New London County)

Connecticut probate fees are statutory (C.G.S. § 45a-107) and based on the gross taxable estate (including non-probate assets).

Basis for Fees:
$0 - $500: $25
$501 - $1,000: $50
$1,000 - $10,000: $50 + 1% of excess over $1,000
$10,000 - $500,000: $150 + 0.35% of excess over $10,000
$500,000 - $2,000,000: $1,865 + 0.25% of excess over $500,000
Certified copies: approximately $10 per certified copy (plus $1 per page)
Publication costs: approximately $150-$350 depending on the newspaper

Payment Methods

The court accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (via the e-filing system or in person). A convenience fee applies to credit card payments.

Estimated Timelines

Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
Average estates: 9-12 months
Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years

The 150-day creditor claim period is a primary factor in the timeline.

Local Resources

New London County Court Resources

Court Website: ctprobate.gov
Probate Self-Help: CT Probate Court User Guides
Connecticut Probate Forms: Official Forms

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

New London County Bar Association: (860) 443-7121 — Professional association for local attorneys.
Statewide Legal Services of CT: (800) 453-3320 — Legal aid for low-income residents.
CT Bar Association Lawyer Referral: ctbar.org

Publication

The Day: (860) 442-2200 — Primary newspaper for New London County.
Norwich Bulletin: (860) 887-9211 — Serving the Norwich area.

Probate in New London County, Connecticut: 2026 Guide