Protecting your loved one's home during probate in Connecticut.

One of the most critical and often overlooked responsibilities of an executor is ensuring the home's insurance policy remains in force after the homeowner passes away. Standard homeowners insurance policies are tied to the named insured, and the death of the policyholder can create a coverage gap if the insurer is not notified promptly.

Here is what Connecticut executors and family members need to know:

Skipping this step can be devastating. A fire, burst pipe, or liability claim on an uninsured property could wipe out the estate's value entirely, leaving little or nothing for the heirs. Taking 30 minutes to call the insurance company is one of the most important actions you can take as executor.

Many of the families I work with tell me that the practical day-to-day responsibilities of managing a probate property were the part they felt least prepared for. In this short video, I walk through some of the most common challenges that come up and how to plan ahead so nothing catches you by surprise.

Property taxes do not pause when someone passes away. They remain due on their regular schedule, and falling behind creates a municipal tax lien that must be paid before the home can be sold or transferred. This is one area where a small oversight can turn into a significant financial problem.

What the executor needs to do

• Check the tax payment schedule. Find out when the next property tax bill is due. In Connecticut, municipalities typically bill taxes semi-annually (July and January). Contact the town tax collector's office to confirm the status of the account and request a copy of the most recent bill.
• Pay from estate funds. Property taxes are a proper expense of the estate. The executor should pay them from the estate checking account. If the estate account is not yet open, the executor may pay personally and seek reimbursement.
• Understand the estate tax lien. Connecticut imposes an automatic statutory estate tax lien on all real property owned by a decedent from the moment of death. This lien must be cleared before the property can be sold or transferred. Your probate attorney or real estate agent can help coordinate this step.
• Keep a detailed record. Document every tax payment, insurance premium, and maintenance expense. These records will be part of the estate accounting that must be filed with the probate court, and they ensure that you can show the court and the heirs that the estate was managed responsibly.

It may be tempting to shut off the utilities to save money, especially if the home is sitting empty. In most cases, that would be a costly mistake. Here is why maintaining basic utility service is essential:

• Heat in winter prevents frozen pipes. A burst pipe from freezing can cause tens of thousands of dollars in water damage. Even if the home is vacant, maintaining heat at 55 degrees or higher through the cold months is a critical precaution.
• Water is needed for inspections and showings. When the home is being prepared for sale, inspectors, appraisers, and potential buyers all expect working water, toilets, and sinks. A home without water cannot be shown effectively.
• Electricity powers safety systems. Smoke detectors, sump pumps, security systems, and lighting all rely on electricity. An empty dark home is more vulnerable to vandalism and more likely to develop unnoticed problems.
• Forward the mail. Have the U.S. Postal Service forward the decedent's mail to the executor's address. Important documents about insurance, tax bills, court notices, and creditor claims often arrive by mail, and missing them can create serious problems.

If the estate has limited funds and you are concerned about the cost of utilities, talk to your probate attorney or real estate agent about what level of service is essential. In most cases, the cost of maintaining basic utilities is far lower than the cost of repairing damage from a neglected property.

Under Connecticut probate law, the executor has a legal duty to preserve and maintain estate property. This means taking reasonable steps to keep the home in good condition until it is sold or transferred to an heir. Here is what that looks like in practice:

All the work you put into protecting and maintaining the property serves a dual purpose: it preserves the asset's value, and it creates the documentation the probate court needs to approve the eventual sale. When the time comes to sell, the court will want to see that the estate has been managed responsibly.

Here are the key records you should keep throughout the process:

• Insurance policies and payment receipts. Proof that the property was continuously insured throughout the probate period.
• Property tax payment records. Receipts showing all taxes were paid on time and no liens were filed against the property.
• Utility bills and maintenance invoices. Documentation of ongoing expenses, repairs, and upkeep that preserved the home's condition.
• The probate appraisal. The court-ordered appraisal establishes the fair market value at the date of death and is filed as part of the estate inventory.
• A comparative market analysis. At the time of listing, your real estate agent will prepare a current market analysis to help set the right list price, which may differ from the probate appraisal value.

Here is a simple checklist you can use to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Print it out, keep it with your probate documents, and check off each item as you go:

• Notify the home insurance company within 30 days and transfer coverage to the estate.
• If the home will be vacant, ask about a vacancy endorsement or a vacant property policy.
• Contact the town tax collector to confirm the property tax schedule and make payments on time.
• Keep utilities active: heat (at least 55 degrees in winter), electricity, and water.
• Forward the decedent's mail to the executor's address through USPS.
• Inspect the property every two weeks for leaks, damage, or signs of intrusion.
• Arrange for lawn care, snow removal, and basic exterior maintenance.
• Secure all doors and windows. Consider rekeying if keys are unaccounted for.
• Keep detailed records of every expense: insurance, taxes, utilities, repairs.
• When ready to sell, work with a real estate agent who understands Connecticut probate sales.

If you have been entrusted with the role of executor, you may be feeling the weight of responsibility. That is completely natural. The truth is, you do not need to be a legal expert or a property manager to do this well. You just need a clear plan, a willingness to ask for help when you need it, and the right people in your corner.

The practical steps outlined in this guide are all manageable. Take them one at a time. Start with the insurance call and the tax check, then work through the rest of the list at your own pace. And if you ever feel stuck or unsure, do not hesitate to reach out. This is exactly the kind of situation where experience matters, and I am here to help Connecticut families move through probate with confidence and peace of mind.

You have already taken the most important step: educating yourself about what needs to happen. From here, it is just a matter of checking the boxes, one by one.