What Happens to Our Social Media Passwords When We Die?

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | May 9, 2012

With social media usage on a steady rise, it is likely that more and more of us will leave behind a slew of social media accounts when we die.
It’s not news that loved ones want to access your social media pages after you’re gone.  In some cases, it’s simply to post news of your passing [...]

Connecticut Probate Courts to Implement New Policy on Confidentiality of Social Security Numbers and Employer Identification Numbers

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | April 18, 2012

On July 1, 2012, the Connecticut Probate Practice Book will add an important new policy provision aimed at safeguarding social security numbers and employer identification numbers.  Section 9 provides, in part, that:
Except as specifically requested in an official probate court form, or otherwise provided by law or order of the court, persons filing documents with [...]

What is Considered Probate Property for a Decedent’s Estate?

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | April 12, 2012

When a Connecticut resident dies, his or her estate is handled by the Probate Courts in the town in which that person lived at the time of death.  There is often confusion about what property is considered part of the Probate estate.  In simple terms, the following property is included:
1.  Real Property owned solely by [...]

Be Careful How You Title Your Bank Accounts for Estate Purposes

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | November 9, 2011

One of the most common problems I face with clients handling the estate of a deceased loved one concerns bank accounts and other financial instruments.  In the cases to which I refer, a parent dies leaving no surviving spouse and at least two or more surviving children.
Hypothetically, let’s say that dad passed away before mom.  [...]

What to Do AFTER You Legally Change Your Name

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | November 8, 2011

People change their last names for a variety of reasons:  marriage and divorce being the most common.  Sometimes, people change their last names (or entire names) because they either don’t like the one given to them at birth or they have some ill feelings toward a family member and don’t want to be associated with [...]

Creditors’ Claims Against a Decedent’s Estate

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | October 4, 2011

When a person dies, the settlement of their estate falls under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court in the town that person lived in at the time of their death.  The person who dies is known as the decedent.
Within 30 days of the decedent’s death, an application should be made to the Probate Court to [...]

Executor Versus Administrator: What’s the Difference?

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | September 30, 2011

The average person finds most legal terms confusing and I certainly understand why.  Two of the most commonly misunderstood legal terms in the probate world are executor and administrator.  I’ll attempt to clarify the terms for you here.
When a person dies leaving a Last Will and Testament, they have designated a person (or persons)within that [...]

Election of a Statutory Share of Decedent’s Estate for Surviving Spouses

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | May 13, 2011

When a person has a Last Will and Testament prepared, he or she (known as the Testator or Testatrix) may dispose of real estate and personal property in any way they wish; however, this is subject to the limitations of a spousal elective share and a family allowance.
If your spouse dies leaving a Will that [...]

Changing Your Name in the Probate Court

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | May 11, 2011

There are a variety of reasons that an adult person might wish to change his or her name.  If a name change is sought at the time of a divorce decree, the Family Court judge has the jurisdiction to order the change.  At other times, however, you must file an application with the Probate Court [...]

Family Wages Legal Battle Over Control of Etta James’ Fortune

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. | January 24, 2011

72-year old Etta James, the famed jazz singer most known for the classic, At Last, was diagnosed with advanced dementia and leukemia.  She is in need of total care and is unable to sign her own name.  Her husband of 41 years, Artis Mills has asked the court to add his name to her sole [...]