Connecticut Senate Bill SB00956

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/17
• Refer: 3/2/17

Caption

An Act Concerning A Surviving Spouse's Statutory Share.

Impact

The proposed amendments would impact estate planning and inheritance laws significantly, as they would alter the default entitlements of surviving spouses under the law. By modifying the share entitled to surviving spouses, the bill could influence individuals' decisions regarding will and estate planning, potentially leading to a reduction in disputes among heirs and a clearer path for the distribution of assets after death. Additionally, the adjustments aim to prevent further complications during the probate process, easing the burden on surviving family members at a challenging time.

Summary

SB00956, also known as the 'Act Concerning A Surviving Spouse's Statutory Share,' seeks to amend the existing laws governing the statutory share of the surviving spouse in the estate of a deceased partner. The bill proposes to enhance the statutory share from one-third to one-half for spouses who die on or after October 1, 2018. This change emphasizes the protection of surviving spouses, ensuring that they receive a more substantial portion of the deceased spouse's estate, thereby providing greater financial security during their time of loss.

Contention

While the bill seeks to provide greater rights and protections for surviving spouses, it may also be met with contention regarding its implications on estate distribution. Critics may argue that increasing the statutory share could inadvertently limit the freedom of individuals to distribute their assets as they choose, particularly in cases where there are children from previous relationships or where specific assets are designated for certain beneficiaries. The proposed changes could lead to legal challenges from parties who feel their inheritance rights are undermined by the revised statutory provisions.