What is a Will?

A will, or last will and testament, is a legal document that allows you to designate how your property passes and to whom it passes at your death. You can specify who will receive solely owned property such as your home or other real estate. You can also specify who will receive your an automobile, furniture, jewelry and bank accounts.

If you have minor children, a will may be used to designate a guardian to care for your children at your death. 

A will also gives you the power to designate a personal representative, sometimes referred to as an executor, to handle the affairs of your estate at your death.

In Connecticut anyone age 18 years or older and of sound mental capacity may execute a will. CT law sets out specific requirement for creating a valid will.

To make sure your will is valid in Connecticut, if it is made in Connecticut, it must meet the following requirements:

• You, the testator making the will, must be at least 18 years old
• You must be of sound mind and capable of reasoning and decision making
• You must sign your will in front of two witnesses (Note that your witnesses should not be anyone who will receive a portion of your estate unless they are also an heir as described below)
• Two witnesses, who saw you sign the will, must also sign your will and be in your presence as they do so
• The will must name at least one beneficiary to receive your estate.

Wills should be reviewed and updated periodically as life circumstances change. Additionally, if you have a will from another state, you should have it reviewed by a Connecticut attorney to ensure that it is valid under CT Law as the rules regarding wills vary from state to state.