Dying Without a Will
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-437 — the spouse takes the first $100,000 and half the rest when the children are theirs together
| Who survives | The spouse takes |
|---|---|
| Who survivesA spouse, and no children, grandchildren or parents | The spouse takesEverything |
| Who survivesA spouse and a parent, but no descendants | The spouse takesThe first $100,000 and three quarters of the rest |
| Who survivesA spouse and descendants who are all the spouse's too | The spouse takesThe first $100,000 and half of the rest |
| Who survivesA spouse and descendants some of whom are not the spouse's | The spouse takesHalf of everything |
Who handles this in Connecticut: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Connecticut directory.
What is left after the spouse's share goes equally to the children, including a child born after the death, with a deceased child's share going to that child's representatives. A child inherits from a parent whose parentage was established under the Connecticut Parentage Act or by adoption.
Sources for this section (2)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-437 — Intestate succession. Distribution to spouse
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-438 — (Formerly Sec. 45-274). Distribution to children. Inheritance of child from or through parent
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Connecticut attorney.