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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in Hartford

Our Recommended Top 19

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Hartford Probate Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

45Reviewed

34Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

972 New London Tpke, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (115)
Facebook
5.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

Kane, Hartley & Kane, P.C., advises residents of Hartford and its surrounding communities on a variety of probate law matters. The firm handles probate administration processes to preserve the shares of a decedent's heirs. It offers estate planning services, including minimizing inheritance taxes and creating trusts. The office also assists with the formulation of living and traditional wills. Co-founder Richard H. Hartley III taught business law at the college level and opened the practice in 1983.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

200 Day Hill Road, Windsor, CT 06095
Website

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Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (1)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Disability Planning Partners is a unique law agency near Hartford that focuses on the intersection of disability law, estate planning, and elder law. The brokerage provides legal support to people facing probate proceedings. By focusing on a limited amount of practice areas, the attorneys are well-prepared to help disabled individuals plan for their futures and protect their wealth. Disability Planning Partners represents clients at probate hearings and prepares estate tax returns.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Claudia Englisby - PresidentActive11 yrs

2252 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
3.5 (8)
Avvo
5.0 (5)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Brown Paindiris & Scott LLP is a full-service legal practice serving individuals and small businesses since 1977. The probate lawyer near Hartford handles estate settlement for fiduciaries and beneficiaries in all aspects of the administration of decedent's estates, testamentary trusts, and living trusts. It also assists clients with will contests, claims against the estate, and trustee removal actions. Brown Paindiris & Scott LLP provides estate planning services to reduce or prevent probate time.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Nicholas Paindiris - Managing PartnerActive51 yrs

100 Pearl St 14th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Led by Nia Chung Srodoski, NCS Law guides Hartford residents and their families through the estate planning and probate process. Srodoski helps clients develop estate plans that protect and distribute their assets in case of death or chronic illnesses leading to incapacity, utilizing legal devices such as wills and health care directives. She also works with personal representatives, helping them understand and carry out their responsibilities in administering the estate. Srodoski had previously practiced at an AmLaw 200 national litigation firm before pursuing private practice.

  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Real Estate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Nia Srodoski - PrincipalActive5 yrs

382 New Britain Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1987, Shimkus, Murphy and Rosenberger, P.C., is a law firm that caters to clients in the Hartford metro and the surrounding areas. It provides legal counsel and representation to individuals in probate administration, mediation, and litigation. It also offers assistance with advance directives, conservatorship and guardianship, living wills, powers of attorney, and trusts. Charles J. Shimkus, Jr., the founding attorney, brings more than 30 years of legal experience. He is a member of the West Hartford Risk Management Advisory Board.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Probate Litigation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Charles Shimkus - PartnerActive39 yrs

24 Arapahoe Road, West Hartford, CT 06107

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Review Sources

Google
4.5 (26)
Facebook
5.0 (7)
Avvo
3.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Eagan & Donohue, LLC supports fiduciaries, administrators, or executors in administering the estate in probate court in Hartford. Its services include assistance with the initiation of probate proceedings, the preparation of court documents, tax minimization, and estate distribution. In addition, the firm handles complex probate disputes and protects clients' rights in difficult circumstances, such as inappropriate wills or asset transfers. Its founder, Owen P. Eagan, has been in legal practice since 1986. He is a fellow of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Edward Falsey - PartnerActive41 yrs

118 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Szilagyi & Daly is a boutique civil trial firm that was founded in 1969. The Hartford-based law practice offers counsel in probate and estate administration matters. The lawyers frequently deal with probate litigation rooted in undue influence, removal of personal representatives, and breach of fiduciary duty. Szilagyi & Daly also helps clients with the basic aspects of the probate process, such as gathering inventory and distributing assets according to the decedent's will.

  • Wills
  • Estate Taxes
  • Trust Administration

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Tyler Dew - AttorneyActive9 yrs
Frank Szilagyi - Managing PartnerActive34 yrs
Jennifer Wheelock - PartnerActive21 yrs

90 State House Square, Hartford, CT 06103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.7 (18)
Google
5.0 (1)
FindLaw
0.5 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Pullman & Comley are a team of estate planning attorneys in Hartford. The firm is proficient in handling numerous aspects of probate procedure, ranging from estate settlement to trust administration. The company's lawyers and paralegals assist clients with the distribution of a decedent's estate and the preparation of probate documents. Pullman & Comley represents fiduciary parties by providing post-mortem tax planning and attending hearings. The law firm also advocates for financial fiduciaries in contested probate matters.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Campbell Barrett - MemberActive29 yrs

34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 120, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (9)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Goldman Schwartz LLC serves clients in the Hartford metro and its surrounding areas. It provides legal representation for clients involved in probate cases and helps them go through the entire process to ensure that the decedent's instructions are followed. In addition, it guides clients in estate administration and planning matters. Other practice areas of the firm include elder law, federal and state estate tax, and special needs planning. Its attorney, Renée Goldman Schwartz, is a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Renée Schwartz - PrincipalActive30 yrs

228 Meadow Street, Suite 103, Waterbury, CT 06702

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.7 (29)
Facebook
3.0 (2)
Avvo
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Sullivan, Attanasio, & Miller Attorneys at Law is a general practice brokerage that addresses a wide range of practice areas. The attorneys near Hartford handle most estate planning matters, including probate cases and bequests. The firm's estate planning practice includes drafting trusts, healthcare proxy, wills, and executorships. Sullivan, Attanasio, & Miller also provide civil litigation services, representing victims of negligent accidents and plaintiffs in wrongful death claims. The lawyers also handle will contests.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Tim Sullivan - PartnerActive29 yrs

970 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06107

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Steier & McCormick LLC provides legal services to residents of Hartford as they settle the estates. The firm's probate and estate administration lawyers assist clients in the process of collecting and valuing assets, preparing probate inventories, and complying with federal income tax reporting requirements. Steier & McCormick also solve issues that arise when dealing with a decedent's assets, such as filing tax returns and appearing in probate court. The agency regularly represents heirs and beneficiaries.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christopher McCormick - Managing MemberActive39 yrs

636 Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (33)
Facebook
5.0 (10)
Avvo
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1974, Mahon, Quinn, & Mahon PC is a law firm near Hartford that employs a skilled staff of attorneys and paralegals. The firm addresses the legal concerns of individuals going through probate. Led by a former probate judge, the agency's estate planning group is well-suited to guide executors as they oversee the distribution of the decedent's assets. Head attorney Briah Mahon also served as the president of the Connecticut Bar Association.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Brian Mahon - Founding PartnerActive51 yrs

755 Main Street, 21st Floor, Hartford, CT 06103

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Reid and Riege PC is a large firm in Hartford. Its team of probate lawyers primarily represents heirs, beneficiaries, and professional fiduciaries in contentious proceedings. The attorneys provide legal counsel in situations that involve claims of breach of fiduciary duty and petitions for the removal or termination of a trustee. Reid and Riege PC practices both mediation and litigation, meaning probate disputes may be resolved in trial or by negotiation.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jon Newton - Stockholder & Immediate Past PresidentActive36 yrs

22 Professional Park Road, Storrs, CT 06268

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Kahan, Kerensky, Capossela LLP is a brokerage located near Hartford. It handles probate and fiduciary administration matters. Attorneys commonly represent executors, guardians of minor children, trustees, and conservators throughout the administration process. The agency's probate litigation practice focuses on estate and gift tax litigation and representing clients in hearings for will contests. The firm helps clients prepare probate petitions, file required tax returns for the estate, and resolve potential disputes.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Bars - Managing PartnerActive44 yrs

836 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06119
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (17)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Kurien Ouellette, LLC, provides estate planning and probate services to clients in Hartford. The law firm assists individuals and their families with wills, trusts, and their respective administrative responsibilities. It also handles civil litigation for cases such as personal injury, insurance defense, and property or product liability. Other practices include commercial and residential real estate and corporate transactions such as IP protection, business purchasing, negotiation, and licensing agreements. Kurien Ouellette has over 75 years of combined expertise, serving in both state and federal courts.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

75 Isham Road, West Hartford, CT 06107

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Cummings & Lockwood LLC has provided legal counsel to citizens of Hartford since opening in 1909. The firm's probate settlement practice helps clients through the process of transferring a deceased loved one's assets to the appropriate parties. Cummings & Lockwood's legal representation includes handling audits with local and federal taxing authorities, facilitating the distribution of assets, and dealing with creditors. The firm is also proficient in probate litigation, taking tax disputes and will contests to trial.

  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Laura Beck - Chairman/Senior AssociateActive24 yrs

1290 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 3F, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Capalbo Hourihan LLC, Attorneys at Law, serves the community of Hartford. Its team has more than 100 years of combined experience helping individuals and families with various legal matters, including probate. The firm’s attorneys work within all probate courts in Connecticut, handling all aspects of probate to protect and efficiently delegate clients' assets. One of the firm’s founding partners, Joseph A. Hourihan, has more than 50 years of legal experience. Throughout his career, he has handled hundreds of contested probate matters.

  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Taxes

2270 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (18)

Why choose this provider?

LeFoll & LeFoll is a family-owned law firm with a mission to protect other families in Hartford through its legal services. It helps clients align their goals with their estate and asset plans and adheres to the law proceedings. Last will and testament drafting, estate plan development, and probate administration are some of the legal services offered by the firm. LeFoll & LeFoll's lawyers share over 75 years of experience providing legal support through personal injury and real estate law.

  • Estate Planning

38 Woodland Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Matthew J. Lefevre, Esq., P.C., handles probate cases in Hartford. Lefevre’s practice also spans estate planning, elder law, IRS tax controversies, and tax law. He assists clients in distributing their properties, minimizing taxes, and transferring their assets. He helps create wills, assists in appointing executors and guardians, and guides clients in paying taxes and debts. Matthew Lefevre was licensed to practice law in 1987. He is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.

  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Matthew Lefevre - PrincipalActive37 yrs

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Hartford, Connecticut?

    860-757-4000 is the non-emergency line of the Hartford Police Department.

  • Which probate court should Hartford residents go to?

    Residents of Hartford should go to the Hartford County Probate Court, located at 250 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, for probate concerns. Contact information for the court, which is on the third level of the structure, is 860-757-9150.

  • How much does probate cost in Hartford?

    The cost of probate in Hartford typically amounts to 5% to 8% of the gross estate, encompassing various expenses. These include court fees, attorneys' fees, fiduciary fees (such as those charged by guardians or attorneys tasked with finding unknown heirs), and accounting fees.

  • Does avoiding probate in Hartford mean that estate taxes can also be avoided?

    No, you are still subject to Hartford estate taxes even if you avoid probate. Whether or not a will requires probate, Connecticut law requires that an estate tax return be submitted for every estate. This return also serves to discharge any liens that were put on the decedent's real estate after their passing.

  • What should be done with a will after the testator's death in Hartford?

    You must submit the will to the probate court in Hartford within 30 days of a testator's passing. The designated executor named in the will usually assumes the responsibility of presenting the will to the court. Alongside the will, a petition is submitted to commence the probate process, marking the official initiation of the legal proceedings.

  • Is there a simplified procedure for settling small estates in Hartford?

    Yes, there is a streamlined process for small estates in Hartford. A simplified probate administration can be used if the estate's total worth is under $40,000; if the decedent did not own any real estate (apart from survivorship property); and the majority of the estate is made up of personal property. Appointing an administrator or presenting the will for probate are not necessary in these instances.