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2024

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Best Probate Lawyers in New Haven

Our Recommended Top 12

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

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

39

Reviewed

28

Curated

12

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
195 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510
  • Wills
  • Living Trust
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Jeffrey Hellman LLC is a small firm of litigation attorneys based in New Haven who have been serving clients in the surrounding communities for more than a quarter of a century. Attorney Hellman focuses his probate practice exclusively on litigation. His clients have included executors accused of breaching their fiduciary duties, families with concerns over conservatorship, and potential heirs who believe the decedent was unduly influenced or mentally incapacitated when they prepared their will.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Jeffrey Hellman - Principal35 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
30 Fountain Street, New Haven, CT 06515
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Estate Administration

Why choose this provider?

Pellegrino and Pellegrino Attorneys at Law guides New Haven residents through the probate process. Robert L. Pellegrino, one of the firm's attorneys, assists clients with the different areas of probate and estate administration, including the distribution of individuals' assets, debt payment, and probate court representation. He works with clients in drafting wills and powers of attorney. Pellegrino has been practicing law since 1982, focusing on probate law, personal injury, and real estate. The attorney is a member of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Robert Pellegrino - Partner42 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
97 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT 06473
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Wiley Etter Doyon LLC is a law firm comprised of a partnership of probate attorneys near New Haven with years of experience handling estate matters for individuals. Its attorneys assist executors with the administration of a loved one's estate to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries named in the will. The firm handles will disputes, guardianship proceedings, contested accountings, and breach of fiduciary duty actions in court. Wiley Etter Doyon also prepares living wills, power of attorney documents, and trusts.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Matthew Wiley - Managing Partner15 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (19)
Google
5.0 / 5 (18)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
568 Washington Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Fischer Fischer LLC, Attorneys at Law, is a firm that serves New Haven and the surrounding communities. Founded in 1959, the practice is staffed by legal professionals that have more than 40 years of combined experience in the field. It handles probate and estate planning, including wills. The firm helps clients appoint an individual or an organization to manage their affairs by drafting a power of attorney. It also provides legal counsel for residential real estate closing and refinancing.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Fischer - Partner44 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.7 / 5 (13)
Avvo
3.7 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
475 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

The Pellegrino Law Firm PC is a full-service law firm founded in 1929 with probate attorneys in New Haven who have significant experience helping executors and families fulfill the final wishes of their loved ones. The firm regularly deals with estates of all sizes. Its services include petitioning the correct probate court to start the process and ensuring all legal necessities are completed within timescales. The Pellegrino Law Firm PC also practices estate planning, trust administration, and business law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Saffer - Partner52 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
400 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Clendenen & Shea, LLC is dedicated to offering efficient and sophisticated services to New Haven clients by handling trusts, wills, and estate planning, business counseling, and real estate closings. It drafts living wills, living trusts, healthcare agent appointments, and powers of attorney. It represents beneficiaries, trustees, and executors in probate hearings and estate administration. The firm was founded in 1973. Its lawyers have various backgrounds and a combined experience of more than 100 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Clendenen - Founder and Principal57 yrs
Patrick Clendenen - Partner31 yrs
Kevin Shea - Partner31 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3127 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation
  • Real Estate

Why choose this provider?

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari LLC Attorneys at Law helps New Haven residents develop estate plans and work through probate. Its attorneys help individuals draft wills according to their objectives and assist in revising existing wills to accommodate their current circumstances. They also offer litigation representation for probate-related matters, including contests and disputes regarding legal documents like advance health care directives and trusts. Louis Crisci Jr., one of the firm's attorneys who primarily practices estate planning and probate, has over 20 years of legal experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
John Gesmonde - Member51 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.9 / 5 (28)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (24)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (21)

(+1 additional source)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
271 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1963, Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman LLP, provides a team-oriented and collaborative approach in serving clients in and around New Haven. It offers probate administration and state planning services, such as selecting fiduciaries, establishing trusts, and organizing assets. It also represents clients in corporate and business law, real estate, health care, employment law, land use, and litigation. Principal attorney Donald W. Anderson joined the firm in 1981. He can also practice law in New York.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Marc Wallman - Partner58 yrs
Stephen Saltzman - Partner61 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
2.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
350 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06511
  • Estate Taxes

Why choose this provider?

Jacobs & Dow LLC is a well-established firm of experienced litigation attorneys located in New Haven who represent clients in courts throughout Connecticut. The firm's probate practice is focused exclusively on cases that involve litigation. The attorneys have successfully represented clients in Superior Court who believed their loved ones were unduly influenced when preparing their wills and executors accused of breaching their fiduciary duties by heirs and beneficiaries. The firm also practices criminal defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
William Dow - Partner55 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
195 Church Street, 13th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate

Why choose this provider?

Neubert Pepe & Monteith Attorneys at Law is a general practice firm that has been serving clients in New Haven for 25 years. It represents clients in probate and estate planning administration involving the establishment and execution of trusts, wills, and wealth transfers. It also assists in selecting fiduciaries and business succession planning. Other areas of practice include commercial litigation, medical malpractice, and real estate law. Principal attorney Robert T. Gradoville received the distinguished author award from the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Michael Neubert - Founding Principal46 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0

Website
131 Dwight Street, New Haven, CT 06511
  • Trusts
  • Wills

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Scott D. Rosenberg is a private practice founded by Mr. Rosenberg, a probate attorney in New Haven who has years of experience representing clients in probate matters. The attorney's services include assisting the executor and helping with the appointment of an administrator in cases where no will exists. Additional services include advising on the liquidation of the estate. Attorney Rosenberg is a 2007 Boston University School of Law graduate. licensed to practice in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
Scott Rosenberg - Principal15 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Google
4.3 / 5 (6)
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
51 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06510
  • Trusts
  • Wills
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate Litigation

Why choose this provider?

Cooper, Whitney & Francois is a full-service firm of probate lawyers in New Haven who represent clients throughout Connecticut. The firm has been offering probate services since it was founded in 1970. Its attorneys can offer the full range of services, from guiding the executor through the legal processes to taking on the role of the administrator if there is no executor. Additionally, they ensure the full estate is collected, its taxes filed, and creditors paid.

Attorney Information

Attorney NamesExperience
James Whitney - Partner56 yrs

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Avvo
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

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 withExpertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    (203) 946-6316 is the non-emergency contact number of the New Haven Police Department.

  • When should you file estate tax returns in New Haven?

    Regardless of the amount of tax due, the executor in New Haven is required to submit a Connecticut Estate Tax Report within six months after the decedent's passing. For estates valued at $2,000,000 or higher, the return goes to the Department of Revenue Services, while estates below that amount are filed with the probate court. For federal estate tax, a return is due within nine months for estates valued at $2,000,000 or more, with taxable estates filing with the IRS and others with the Department of Revenue Services.

  • Does the absence of a will affect the probate timeline in New Haven?

    Yes. The lack of a will can lead to an extended probate process in New Haven. Without a will, the court assumes a greater responsibility in overseeing the distribution of the estate. A judge appoints an administrator to manage the process, and state laws dictate how the assets are divided among the rightful heirs. The court's involvement in these cases often leads to a lengthier settlement period, as the court ensures a fair and lawful distribution of the estate.

  • Is it possible to avoid probate entirely in New Haven?

    Yes, it is possible to avoid probate entirely in New Haven County through various estate planning strategies. One approach is establishing a living trust, which enables assets to be transferred directly to beneficiaries without undergoing probate. An attorney can also offer advice on structuring assets, including real estate, to facilitate seamless transfer to spouses or children, further streamlining the probate process.

  • Can the executor make advanced distributions before the final accounting is approved in New Haven?

    Yes, the executor has the authority to make advanced distributions before the final accounting is approved in New Haven. However, the executor must ensure that enough assets are retained to cover expenses, claims, and taxes. If there is a shortfall in the estate's funds as a result of advanced distributions, the executor may be held personally liable for the deficit.

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