What's the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate lawyer?

A real estate agent helps you find or market real estate, and negotiate the sale or purchase of a property. A real estate lawyer is a legal professional who focuses on protecting your interests throughout the transaction. We review contracts, conduct title searches, and handle the legal aspects of closing. We ensure your rights are protected and help you avoid potential disputes or fraud.

What is estate planning, and who needs it?

Estate planning is the process of determining how your assets will be managed and distributed after you pass away. It’s not just for the wealthy; anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored should have a plan. A comprehensive estate or wealth plan can include a will, a trust, and healthcare directives.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A Will only becomes effective after death and generally requires probate. A living trust becomes effective immediately and allows assets held in the trust to pass outside of probate. Living trusts can also simplify asset management during incapacity and provide greater privacy. However, trusts are not necessary for everyone, and many families are well served by a Will-based estate plan.

What is probate, and is it always necessary?

Probate is the legal process where a court oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. It ensures debts and taxes are paid before assets go to heirs. While often necessary, probate can be time-consuming and expensive. You can sometimes avoid it through strategies like creating a trust or holding assets in joint ownership with a right of survivorship.

Who is responsible for administering an estate?

When a will exists, the person responsible for administering an estate is the executor. If there is no will, the probate court appoints an administrator to handle the decedent’s affairs. Executor and administrator duties include collecting and inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.

Estate Planning, Probate & Real Estate Lawyers in Glastonbury, Connecticut - Lawyers Glastonbury, CT Kane, Hartley, Kane

Property & Estate Planning Lawyers In Glastonbury CT

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Connecticut Estate Planning, Probate & Real Estate Attorneys Helping Families Protect Their Assets, Navigate Probate and Preserve Their Legacy

Wills • Trusts • Probate Administration • Estate Planning • Real Estate

Estate Planning

You need an enduring strategy to protect the wealth you’ve built over a lifetime. For over four decades, we have helped our clients achieve this critical goal. As each family has varying needs, we tailor a plan that preserves their assets and ultimately distributes their estate to designated loved ones.

Real Estate

Whether you’re transferring land, buying a home, or selling a commercial property, the simplest real estate transaction can evolve into a complex web of obstacles. Our lawyers can provide critical oversight that minimizes unanticipated problems. We review essential documents and identify potential issues. We provide guidance and protection throughout the process.

Probate

When a loved one passes away, you have multiple responsibilities to manage. Probate shouldn’t be one of them. Our team can guide you through the legal process of settling their estate. We help you comply with legal formalities so you can focus on what really matters: your family.

The Smart Choice for

Estate Planning, Real Estate and Probate Lawyers in Glastonbury

For over 35 years, the attorneys at Kane, Hartley & Kane have guided individuals and families through some of life’s most important decisions — from buying and selling real estate to creating thoughtful estate plans that protect their loved ones and their legacy.

Our commitment has always been simple: to put our clients first. By focusing on personal attention, clear communication, and genuine care — not profits or fees — we’ve earned the trust of generations. Many of our clients come to us through referrals from parents, children, friends, and colleagues, a testament to the long-lasting relationships we build.

As multi-generational lawyers, one of our greatest honors is serving multiple generations of the same family — helping them plan, protect, and prosper.

We’re different — and in all the right ways.

Call us today to experience the Kane, Hartley & Kane difference and see why Glastonbury families continue to trust us with their real estate, probate, and estate planning needs.

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Generations of Trust

We’re proud to represent multiple generations of the same families. Our clients feel confident when referring their friends and family members.

Low Stress Process

We understand that legal matters can be stressful. That’s why we take time to explain every detail. We ensure that you understand every document, legal process, or potential outcome.

Confidential Representation

You can trust our firm with your sensitive legal matters. We handle every case with complete confidentiality and discretion, protecting your privacy at every step.

Fair & Honest Pricing

Some situations require more time and effort than others. Our cost-effective pricing considers your specific needs and we bill accordingly.

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Building Trust, One Client at a Time

We welcome our clients’ feedback. Your comments acknowledge our commitment to consistently professional service. They remind us that we’re making a difference.

I was very nervous buying my new home by myself. My husband had usually handled the financial aspects of our large purchases, and now I found myself a widow buying a home on my own. Tom Kane was so warm and friendly he immediately put me at ease. He carefully went through the voluminous paperwork with me, and made sure I understood everything I was signing. The follow up from the office personal at Attorney Kane’s office was exemplary. I was contacted promptly, pleasantly, and informed of every step. I feel they went above and beyond the usual customer service expectations. I highly recommend the services of Kane, Hartley, & Kane.

Kathryn

We used Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC at the recommendation of our realtor, and we couldn’t have been happier. Tom was fantastic. He took his time to explain all of the paperwork to us, what everything meant, and did well to set us at ease while closing on our first house. His sense of humor was great, and it was refreshing to work with someone who can keep the mood light and fun.

I can’t imagine buying our first house without him.

Jeffrey C.

Working with KHK has been a pleasure and would absolutely recommend their services. I was referred by a co-worker several years back who grew up here locally in town. I closed on a purchase of my home back in 2008, and just recently on a refinance. I’ve worked personally with Tom Jr., and found him to be personable and informative. It is ‘good old-fashioned’ one-on-one service, all the while knowing that you have a very knowledgeable lawyer on your side.

Paul C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate lawyer?

A real estate agent helps you find or market real estate, and negotiate the sale or purchase of a property. A real estate lawyer is a legal professional who focuses on protecting your interests throughout the transaction. We review contracts, conduct title searches, and handle the legal aspects of closing. We ensure your rights are protected and help you avoid potential disputes or fraud.
What is estate planning, and who needs it?

Estate planning is the process of determining how your assets will be managed and distributed after you pass away. It’s not just for the wealthy; anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored should have a plan. A comprehensive estate or wealth plan can include a will, a trust, and healthcare directives.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

A Will only becomes effective after death and generally requires probate. A living trust becomes effective immediately and allows assets held in the trust to pass outside of probate. Living trusts can also simplify asset management during incapacity and provide greater privacy. However, trusts are not necessary for everyone, and many families are well served by a Will-based estate plan.
What is probate, and is it always necessary?

Probate is the legal process where a court oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. It ensures debts and taxes are paid before assets go to heirs. While often necessary, probate can be time-consuming and expensive. You can sometimes avoid it through strategies like creating a trust or holding assets in joint ownership with a right of survivorship.
Who is responsible for administering an estate?

When a will exists, the person responsible for administering an estate is the executor. If there is no will, the probate court appoints an administrator to handle the decedent’s affairs. Executor and administrator duties include collecting and inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.