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Connecticut Lawyers’ Blog
The ramblings of a Hartford County lawyer, focused on Estate Planning, Probate Administration and Real Estate conveyancing.
We help our clients navigate the complexities of life, one milestone at a time.
Boundary Lines & Easements: Navigating ‘Good Fences’ in Glastonbury
Robert Frost famously wrote that "good fences make good neighbors," but in the world of Connecticut real estate, a fence is only as good as the legal boundary it sits upon. For many homeowners in Glastonbury, the land is more than just a place to live; it is a...
What Are the Current Estate Tax Laws?
What Are the Current Estate Tax Laws? Estate tax laws are a frequent source of confusion, particularly because they involve both federal and state systems. In Connecticut, understanding how these taxes work is an important part of estate planning for higher-net-worth...
How Do You Pay a Deceased Person’s Final Expenses?
How Do You Pay a Deceased Person’s Final Expenses? Final expenses include funeral costs, last medical bills, and other expenses incurred shortly before or after death. In Connecticut probate administration, these expenses must be handled carefully and in the proper...
How Can a Trust Protect My Assets from Creditors?
How Can a Trust Protect My Assets from Creditors? Asset protection is a common concern, particularly for individuals in professions with higher liability exposure or those planning for long-term care. Trusts can play a role in protecting assets, but the level of...
What Are the Connecticut Estate Tax Rules in 2026? A Simple Guide for CT Homeowners and Families
For many families in Connecticut, the phrase "estate tax" sounds like something that only applies to the ultra-wealthy, the kind of people with private jets and expansive mansions in Greenwich. But at Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC, we’ve spent over 40 years helping...
What Happens to Property That Is Not Subject to Probate?
What Happens to Property That Is Not Subject to Probate? Not all property owned by a deceased person passes through probate. In Connecticut, non-probate property transfers automatically based on ownership structure or beneficiary designations, without court...
Property Taxes & Assessments: What Every Glastonbury Homeowner Should Know
Owning a home in Glastonbury is a significant investment and a point of pride for many of our neighbors. However, that pride often comes with the annual realization of property tax obligations. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have lived in the area for...
What Is the Difference Between a Revocable and Irrevocable Trust?
What Is the Difference Between a Revocable and Irrevocable Trust? Trusts are powerful estate planning tools, but not all trusts function the same way. One of the most important distinctions is between revocable and irrevocable trusts. Understanding this difference is...
7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your CT Power of Attorney (and How to Fix Them)
A power of attorney is one of the most critical documents in your entire estate plan, yet it is frequently the one that receives the least amount of scrutiny. Many of our clients in Glastonbury and across central Connecticut come to us under the impression that a...
Getting Started with Basic Estate Planning
Getting Started with Basic Estate Planning For many families in central Connecticut, the phrase "estate planning" often conjures images of complex tax shelters or high-net-worth individuals. However, at its core, estate planning is not about the size of your bank...