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Waterbury Probate Court, CT Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | Waterbury Probate Court, PD-20 |
| Courthouse address | 49 Leavenworth Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 |
| Mailing address | Same as the courthouse address |
| Phone | (203) 755-1127 |
| Fax | (203) 597-0824 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call before making a trip. |
| Towns served | Waterbury and Wolcott (C.G.S. section 45a-2) |
| Filing fee | No filing fee is due when a decedent's estate is opened. The Probate Court invoices a statutory fee later, computed on the value of the estate under C.G.S. section 45a-107. |
| Court-specific forms | The court does not publish forms of its own. Connecticut PC forms are statewide. |
| E-filing | Statewide TurboCourt eFiling system. Attorneys who appear must register, and registration is optional for others (Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 22.1). The original will must reach the court on paper under section 7.1a. |
| Case search | ctprobate.gov/case-lookup. Filter to PD20, Waterbury Probate Court. Coverage runs from January 5, 2011 to the present. |
| Remote appearance | The court may allow participation by electronic means on request, but it is not a right (Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 66.1). |
| Website | https://www.ctprobate.gov/courts/waterbury-probate-court |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a Connecticut estate settlement path, list the assets, debts, beneficiary designations and jointly owned property. The numbers matter because the small estates procedure is available only when the C.G.S. section 45a-273 requirements are met, and because the Waterbury Probate Court later invoices the statutory probate fee under C.G.S. section 45a-107.
The Connecticut estate tax return is due at the Probate Court within six months of death whether or not a full estate is opened, so asset discovery belongs at the start of the process. Sunset searches 2,300 institutions to help families find accounts, insurance and other assets before the estate settlement paperwork is filed.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Connecticut probate is handled by a separate statewide system of fifty-four Probate Courts, one for each probate district (C.G.S. sections 45a-2 and 45a-18(a)). It is not handled by the Superior Court at the filing stage and it is not organized by county. The Waterbury Probate Court is PD-20 and serves Waterbury and Wolcott (C.G.S. section 45a-2).
If the decedent was domiciled in Waterbury or Wolcott and left a will, the named executor applies in this district under C.G.S. section 45a-283. If the person died intestate, the court for the district where the person was domiciled grants letters of administration under C.G.S. section 45a-303. For a nonresident who owned Connecticut property, C.G.S. section 45a-287 lists possible Connecticut districts, and the court that first assumes jurisdiction retains it.
Wolcott families use the Waterbury Probate Court at 49 Leavenworth Street. The statewide Court Locator at ctprobate.gov/court-locator is the town-by-town tool for confirming the correct Probate Court.
A Probate Court decision may be appealed to the Superior Court, generally within thirty days of the date the Probate Court sent the decree (C.G.S. section 45a-186).
The jurisdiction process
- Identify the assets, liabilities and title before filing. If the decedent owned no solely owned Connecticut real estate and the total solely owned personal property is $40,000 or less, the C.G.S. section 45a-273 small estates procedure may be available. Survivorship and beneficiary-designated assets do not count toward that figure, but the Connecticut estate tax return is still due within six months.
- Get the current Connecticut PC forms from ctprobate.gov or ask the Waterbury Probate Court for paper copies. A full estate starts with PC-200, Petition/Administration or Probate of Will, filed in the court for the district where the decedent was domiciled at death (C.G.S. section 45a-283). The confidential information form PC-200CI is filed with it. The affidavit in lieu route uses PC-212 under C.G.S. section 45a-273. The original will cannot be eFiled and must reach the court on paper (Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 7.1a).
- File at the Waterbury Probate Court, 49 Leavenworth Street, Waterbury, CT 06702, if the decedent was domiciled in Waterbury or Wolcott. You may file by paper at the counter, by mail to the same address, or through the statewide TurboCourt eFiling system if you have an account. Attorneys who appear must register for eFiling, and registration is optional for self-represented parties (Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 22.1).
- Do not bring a payment to open a decedent's estate. Under section 6.1 of the Probate Court Rules of Procedure, the statutory filing fee is due at filing in every kind of Probate Court matter except a decedent's estate and an accounting. Instead, the Waterbury Probate Court bills the estate later. The fee is set by statute and is the same in all 54 Connecticut probate districts (C.G.S. section 45a-105). For a person who died on or after July 1, 2016, it is graduated on the greater of the inventory, the gross estate or the Connecticut taxable estate, running from $25 up to a cap of $40,000, with a minimum of $150 where a full estate is opened on a basis under $10,000, and with any portion passing to a surviving spouse counted at half (C.G.S. section 45a-107). The fee is owed on everything the decedent owned, including assets that pass outside probate, and it is owed whether or not an estate is opened at all. Interest of 0.5 per cent per month runs on a probate fee that is unpaid thirty days after the court's invoice, and separately on the fee of an estate whose Connecticut estate tax return is filed late (C.G.S. section 45a-107). ctprobate.gov publishes a fee calculator at ctprobate.gov/fees-expenses-calculators.
- Watch for notice from the court. Once the first fiduciary is appointed, the court, not the fiduciary, places the newspaper notice to creditors within fourteen days of appointment (C.G.S. section 45a-354). Creditors generally have at least 150 days to present claims (C.G.S. section 45a-356). A claim presented later is not automatically barred unless the separate C.G.S. section 45a-357 procedure applies.
- Wait for the court's notice about any hearing. The court may set a hearing, may enter a decree without a formal hearing when all required waivers are filed, or may use the streamline notice procedure under Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 8.6. The Waterbury Probate Court does not publish a hearing calendar, so use the date and instructions in the court's notice.
- Ask about participation by electronic means if travel is difficult. Connecticut Probate Courts may allow a party, witness or attorney to take part in a hearing, conference or deposition by electronic means. Section 66.1 of the Probate Court Rules of Procedure lets the court permit it on request or on its own motion, weighing factors that include the nature of the proceeding, the technology available, and whether remote participation would still allow full examination of witnesses. It is a request the court decides, not a right, and the rule names no platform. Ask the clerk of the Waterbury Probate Court what that court expects.
- After appointment, get the certificate of appointment from the clerk. Under C.G.S. section 45a-200, the certificate of appointment is sufficient evidence of the fiduciary's authority and identity for one year from the date it is issued, so a bank or transfer agent may ask for a recently issued copy.
- If the decedent owned Connecticut real estate, ask the court for the land records notice form and record it with the town clerk in each Connecticut town where the property is located. In this district, that can mean Waterbury, Wolcott, or both. The inventory for the estate is filed on PC-2407 within two months after qualification, with a possible court extension for cause to not more than four months (C.G.S. section 45a-341).
- File the Connecticut estate tax return with the Probate Court within six months of death. For a nontaxable Connecticut estate, CT-706 NT is filed with the Probate Court, not with Revenue Services. Then administer and close the estate: file the return of claims on PC-237 within sixty days after the 150-day period ends (C.G.S. section 45a-361), file the financial report on PC-246 under Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 30.19 or the fuller account if required, distribute under the court's order, and file PC-213 when the court directs it. The affidavit of closing rule is Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 36.12.
Forms and documents
Probate forms at the Waterbury Probate Court
Connecticut probate forms are statewide. The Waterbury Probate Court uses the same numbered PC forms as every other Connecticut Probate Court, published free by the Office of the Probate Court Administrator at ctprobate.gov. The court does not publish forms of its own.
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| PC-200 | Petition to open a full estate in the court for the district where the decedent was domiciled at death (C.G.S. section 45a-283). |
| PC-200CI | Confidential information filed with PC-200. |
| PC-212 | Affidavit in lieu of probate or administration for the C.G.S. section 45a-273 small estates procedure. |
| PC-2407 | Inventory for decedents' estates, filed within two months after qualification unless extended by the court under C.G.S. section 45a-341. |
| PC-237 | Return of claims and list of notified creditors, filed after the 150-day claims period under C.G.S. sections 45a-356 and 45a-361. |
| PC-246 | Financial report for a decedent's estate, used in most closings under Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 30.19. |
| PC-213 | Affidavit of closing when the court directs it. Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 36.12, sets the filing rule. |
| PC-286 | Status update for an estate that remains open, under Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 30.21. |
| PC-184 | Request for waiver of fees for a petitioner who cannot pay, under C.G.S. section 45a-111. |
| PC-482 | Appointment of the probate judge as agent for service by a nonresident fiduciary. For a nonresident decedent with Connecticut property, venue is addressed separately by C.G.S. section 45a-287. |
The land records notice form for appointed fiduciaries is obtained from the court and then recorded with the appropriate town clerk. In the Waterbury Probate Court district, that may mean the Waterbury town clerk, the Wolcott town clerk, or both, depending on where the real estate is located.
Local nuance
Waterbury Probate Court district-specific considerations
| Consideration | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Two Waterbury probate courts | The Waterbury Probate Court, PD-20, at 49 Leavenworth Street handles decedents' estates for Waterbury and Wolcott. The Waterbury Regional Children's Probate Court, PD-58, is a different court in the same city and does not handle decedents' estates. |
| Wolcott is served here | The district serves Waterbury and Wolcott (C.G.S. section 45a-2), but the court name mentions only Waterbury. Wolcott estates are filed at the Waterbury Probate Court. |
| Two town clerks for land records | Real estate notices are recorded with the town clerk where the property sits. A fiduciary may need Waterbury, Wolcott, or both, depending on the decedent's real estate. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Waterbury Probate Court path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with a co-owned home | If a Waterbury home passed by survivorship, the house may not need a fiduciary transfer, but the Connecticut estate tax return is still filed with the Probate Court within six months and the probate fee is computed under C.G.S. section 45a-107. Solely owned accounts may still require a fiduciary. | Sunset helps find accounts, policies and liabilities before the estate settlement return and court forms are prepared. |
| Out-of-state adult child with a small estate | A Massachusetts adult child whose parent died in Wolcott files at the Waterbury Probate Court because Wolcott is in this probate district (C.G.S. section 45a-2). If the estate meets C.G.S. section 45a-273, PC-212 may be used. If a full estate is needed, PC-482 may apply because the fiduciary lives out of state, and the original will must still reach the court on paper. | Sunset helps assemble the packet from out of state and search for assets the family may not know about. |
| Parent settling a predeceased child's estate when a home must be sold | Solely owned Connecticut real estate prevents use of the C.G.S. section 45a-273 small estates procedure. A full estate starts with PC-200 in the Waterbury Probate Court under C.G.S. section 45a-283 or C.G.S. section 45a-303, the inventory is filed on PC-2407 under C.G.S. section 45a-341, and sale authority may require a court petition unless the will authorizes the sale. | Sunset helps organize the asset and debt picture, generate the estate settlement packet and connect the family with a vetted local attorney when a sale or dispute needs counsel. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Waterbury Probate Court | Procedural questions, paper forms and court-issued documents. The clerk can provide forms and limited procedural help, but not legal advice. | 49 Leavenworth Street, Waterbury, CT 06702, (203) 755-1127 |
| Connecticut Probate Court Locator | Town-by-town lookup that confirms Waterbury and Wolcott are assigned to the Waterbury Probate Court (C.G.S. section 45a-2). | ctprobate.gov/court-locator |
| Connecticut Case Lookup | Free statewide search for decedents' estates and trusts. Filter to PD20, Waterbury Probate Court. Coverage begins January 5, 2011. | ctprobate.gov/case-lookup |
| Administration of decedents' estates user guide | The Probate Court Administrator's 2026 guide to Connecticut estate administration. | ctprobate.gov, Resource Library, User Guides |
| Statewide PC forms | Free Connecticut probate forms, including PC-200 for full administration and PC-212 for the C.G.S. section 45a-273 small estates procedure. | ctprobate.gov/forms-list and ctprobate.gov/trusts-estates/trusts-estates-forms |
| Fees and expenses calculators | Statewide decedents' estates calculator for the probate fee under C.G.S. section 45a-107. | ctprobate.gov/fees-expenses-calculators |
| Probate Court Rules of Procedure | Statewide rules, 2026 edition, effective July 1, 2026. Includes section 6.1 on fees, section 8.6 on streamline notice, section 22.1 on eFiling and section 66.1 on participation by electronic means. | ctprobate.gov/rules-procedure |
| Assistance for individuals with disabilities | ADA accommodation information and form PC-2. The Probate Court asks for at least ten days' notice when possible. | ctprobate.gov/assistance-individuals-disabilities-ada |
| Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Library probate page | Research links on Connecticut probate law, forms, fees, jurisdiction and appeals. | jud.ct.gov/lawlib/law/probatelaw.htm |
| Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut | Legal aid intake for people who cannot afford a lawyer, including people in Waterbury and Wolcott. | slsct.org/get-help, 1-800-453-3320 |
| Waterbury and Wolcott town clerks | Land records offices for recording the fiduciary notice when the decedent owned real estate in either town. | waterburyct.org/townclerk and wolcottct.org, Town Clerk |
When to hire an attorney
Connecticut's Probate Court guidance says estate matters can be complex and that legal advice is strongly recommended. Counsel is especially important for a contested Waterbury Probate Court matter, an uncertain estate tax return due within six months, real estate that must be sold, property in both Waterbury and Wolcott, or an appeal to the Superior Court under C.G.S. section 45a-186. Sunset connects families with a vetted probate attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset helps families identify bank accounts, investment accounts, insurance, retirement assets and other property before the Waterbury Probate Court packet is filed. A complete asset picture makes estate settlement faster and reduces the risk of missing something that affects the C.G.S. section 45a-107 probate fee.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the information you provide into a clearer set of next steps and draft probate forms for the Waterbury Probate Court, including the forms commonly used to open and close a Connecticut estate.
Find a local probate attorney. When the estate involves a dispute, a home sale, a tax question or a fiduciary who lives out of state, Sunset can connect the family with a vetted Connecticut probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize the estate settlement process, understand the Waterbury Probate Court path and avoid starting with incomplete information.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Waterbury, Connecticut?
If the decedent was domiciled in Waterbury, file at the Waterbury Probate Court, 49 Leavenworth Street, Waterbury, CT 06702. A will filing uses the district where the person was domiciled at death (C.G.S. section 45a-283), and an intestate estate uses the same district rule for letters of administration (C.G.S. section 45a-303).
I live in Wolcott. Which probate court do I use?
Use the Waterbury Probate Court. The Waterbury Probate Court district serves Waterbury and Wolcott (C.G.S. section 45a-2), and Wolcott does not have a separate Probate Court for decedents' estates. The Court Locator at ctprobate.gov/court-locator also confirms town assignments.
Is the Waterbury Probate Court the same as the Waterbury Regional Children's Probate Court?
No. The Waterbury Probate Court is PD-20 and handles decedents' estates for Waterbury and Wolcott. The Waterbury Regional Children's Probate Court is PD-58, a different court in Waterbury that does not handle decedents' estates.
What does it cost to open a decedent's estate at the Waterbury Probate Court?
No filing fee is due when a decedent's estate is opened. The Probate Court invoices a statutory probate fee later, calculated under C.G.S. section 45a-107. For deaths on or after July 1, 2016, the fee is graduated and can run from $25 to a cap of $40,000, with the other C.G.S. section 45a-107 rules applied.
Can I file probate electronically in Waterbury?
The statewide TurboCourt eFiling system is available for Connecticut Probate Courts. Attorneys who appear must register, while registration is optional for other filers (Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 22.1). The original will cannot be eFiled and must reach the Probate Court on paper under section 7.1a.
Do I have to go to a hearing at the Waterbury Probate Court?
Not always. The court may set a hearing, may enter a decree without a formal hearing when all required waivers are filed, or may use the streamline notice procedure under Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 8.6. If a hearing is set, follow the notice from the court.
Can I take part in a Waterbury Probate Court hearing by phone or video?
Possibly, if the court allows participation by electronic means. Probate Court Rules of Procedure, section 66.1, lets the court permit it on request or on the court's own motion after weighing the rule's factors. It is a request the court decides, not a right, and the rule names no platform.
How do I look up a probate case in Waterbury or Wolcott?
Use the statewide Case Lookup at ctprobate.gov/case-lookup and filter to PD20, Waterbury Probate Court. It covers decedents' estates and trusts from January 5, 2011 to the present, with incomplete coverage before that date. It shows case index information and fiduciary contact information, not filed documents.
Does the Waterbury Probate Court have its own forms?
The Waterbury Probate Court uses statewide Connecticut PC forms. It does not publish a separate Waterbury form packet. For a full estate, PC-200 is filed in the district where the decedent was domiciled (C.G.S. section 45a-283). For the C.G.S. section 45a-273 small estates procedure, use PC-212.
What paperwork proves I am the executor in Connecticut, and how long is it good for?
The clerk issues a certificate of appointment after the Probate Court appoints the fiduciary. Under C.G.S. section 45a-200, that certificate of appointment is sufficient evidence of authority and identity for one year from the date it is issued.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.