3 Essential Estate Documents in Connecticut
- Marc Lowe
- Sep 19
- 5 min read
I recently spoke with a young and successful artist who shared a heartbreaking story. A close friend of theirs had been in a serious motorcycle accident and was left in a coma. While the friend was still in the hospital, the artist asked me some tough questions:
Who makes the decisions about life support?
Whose orders do the doctors follow?
What happens if they didn’t have their estate documents in place?
These are the kinds of questions families are often forced to confront in moments of crisis.
To help bring clarity, I decided to put this conversation into an article—walking through how three key estate planning documents come into play: the Will, the Living Will, and the Health Care Proxy (legally called a Health Care Representative in Connecticut).
A Will: Planning for After You’re Gone
In Connecticut, a Will is one of the most important estate planning tools. It only takes effect after your death and directs how your property, money, and personal belongings are distributed. A Will also allows you to name an executor—the person responsible for carrying out your wishes—and, if needed, appoint guardians for minor children.
Without a Will, Connecticut’s intestacy laws decide how your estate is divided. This process almost always requires probate court, which can delay asset transfers and add stress for grieving families. A well-drafted Will ensures your assets pass the way you intended, not just according to state law.
A Living Will: Clarifying Medical Treatment Choices
A Living Will is not about finances—it’s about health care. In Connecticut, it allows you to spell out your medical preferences if you become incapacitated. That might include decisions about life support, resuscitation, or feeding tubes.
Because Connecticut law recognizes Living Wills as legally binding, doctors and hospitals must follow them. This document gives you a voice when you cannot speak for yourself and spares loved ones from having to make impossible choices without guidance.
A Health Care Proxy: Choosing Who Speaks for You
Connecticut law uses the term Health Care Representative (often called a Health Care Proxy). This document allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t.
While a Living Will provides specific instructions, a Health Care Representative has the flexibility to respond to situations you may not have anticipated. This combination of written guidance and trusted decision-making is one of the most powerful ways to ensure your values are respected.
Putting It Into Context: The Motorcycle Accident
If someone in Connecticut is in a serious accident and put on life support, here’s how these documents would matter:
Living Will: Tells doctors whether the person wants life support, resuscitation, or other treatments.
Health Care Representative: Steps in to make medical decisions if the Living Will doesn’t cover every scenario.
Will: If the person does not survive, the Will then directs how their assets are distributed and ensures guardianship plans for children are honored.
This real-world example shows why having all three documents is essential—they work together to protect both your health care wishes and your financial legacy.
How They Work Together in Connecticut
Will – Governs asset distribution after death (through Connecticut probate if required).
Living Will – Provides medical treatment preferences in advance.
Health Care Representative – Appoints someone to make medical decisions if you cannot.
Together, they create a more complete estate plan—one that helps your family avoid confusion, conflict, and added stress during life’s most difficult moments.
Connecticut Estate Planning FAQ
Q: Is a Health Care Proxy the same as a Health Care Representative in Connecticut?
A: Yes. In Connecticut, the legal term is Health Care Representative, but many people still use Health Care Proxy. Both mean the same thing—you’re appointing someone you trust to make medical decisions if you can’t.
Q: Is a Living Will recognized in Connecticut?
A: Yes. Connecticut law specifically allows you to create a Living Will that outlines your preferences for life support and other end-of-life medical care. Doctors and hospitals are legally required to follow it.
Q: Do I need all three documents?
A: In most cases, yes. A Will covers your assets after death, a Living Will communicates your medical wishes, and a Health Care Representative ensures someone can speak on your behalf if you can’t. Together, they provide peace of mind and clarity for your loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Estate planning is about more than just money—it’s about protecting your family from uncertainty. For Connecticut residents, having a Will, Living Will, and Health Care Representative in place ensures that your wishes are honored, your assets are distributed as intended, and your loved ones are supported when it matters most.
While these three documents are only part of a full estate plan, they’re a strong foundation. Working with a financial planner who understands how each piece connects can save you from costly mistakes and provide peace of mind for years to come.
Feel free to download our Estate Document Checklist below:
About The Author
Marc Lowe is the Founder & President of In The Money Retirement Planning. He is a Certified Financial Planner and member of NAPFA National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, XY Planning Network & Fee-Only Network. He works with retirees and those approaching retirement. He has over a decade of experience helping these folks grow their net worth, organize their finances and build better lives for themselves and their families.
The information presented in this Presentation is the opinion of the author and does not reflect the views of any other person or entity unless specified. The information provided is believed to be reliable and obtained from reliable sources, but no liability is accepted for inaccuracies. The information provided is for informational purposes and should not be construed as advice. Advisory services offered through In The Money Retirement, an investment adviser registered with the state of Connecticut. The information linked to on third-party sites is being provided strictly as a courtesy and convenience. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this website. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites. When you access these websites, you are leaving our website and assume any and all responsibility and risk for use of the web sites you are visiting.The tax and estate planning information offered by the advisor is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
Comments