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The Simple Will: What You Need to Know

May 13, 2021 //  by Jeffrey A. Nirenstein, Estate Planning Attorney

simple willThe simple will is the most commonly used estate planning document, but many people settle for wills unnecessarily. In this post, we will provide the basics in an effort to raise awareness so you can make informed decisions.

Core Requirements

A simple will can be executed by any adult that is of sound mind. In order for a will to be valid in the state of Connecticut, the document must be signed in front of two witnesses, and the witnesses must sign it in the presence of the testator.

You are not required to get a will notarized, but there is a reason why this can be a good idea, and we will explain it in the next section.

Probate Process

If you use a will to state your final wishes, you name an executor in the document to act as the estate administrator. The executor would not be able to proceed independently after your death.

Under the laws of our state, the executor would be required to admit the will to probate, and the court would provide supervision during the administration process.

There is a proving of the will during probate, which will involve the court contacting the witnesses to the signing of the document. If the will has been notarized, it would be a ā€œself-proving will,ā€ and the court would not seek affirmation from the witnesses.

Creditors are notified during probate, and they are given send us a message to request a consultation appointment, and we can be reached by phone at 860-548-1000.

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Jeffrey A. Nirenstein, Estate Planning Attorney
Jeffrey A. Nirenstein, Estate Planning Attorney
Estate Planning Attorney at Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates, P.C.
Jeffrey A. Nirenstein is a founding partner and vice president of the law firm of Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates, P.C. He received his bachelor of arts degree in government from Clark University and his law degree from New York Law School.

Mr. Nirenstein is licensed to practice before the courts of the State of Connecticut and the United States District Court. He is a member of the Connecticut and Hartford County Bar Associations, and the Estate and Probate, Elder Law, Business Law and Real Estate Sections of the Connecticut Bar Association.
Jeffrey A. Nirenstein, Estate Planning Attorney
Latest posts by Jeffrey A. Nirenstein, Estate Planning Attorney (see all)
  • Connecticut Estate Administration: 5 Things You Need to Know About Probate - August 18, 2026
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  • How to Use a Living Trust to Stagger an Inheritance - July 23, 2026
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Category: Estate PlanningTag: living trust, Probate, simple will

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Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates P.C.
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