Reopening probate for newly discovered bank account in Connecticut.

Question

I am considering reopening my father's probate case because we recently discovered an unknown bank account that was not included during the original probate process. In 1983, the account was valued at $11,000, and by 2025, it has grown to $21,000. The account was overlooked because the passbook was lost. There are existing beneficiaries from the original probate case. How should we proceed with reopening the case, and what are the potential implications for the beneficiaries?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

To reopen a probate case in Connecticut due to a newly discovered bank account, you will need to file a motion with the probate court. Start by contacting the court where the original probate was filed and explain the situation regarding the overlooked account. You may need to provide supporting documents, such as the bank's records showing the account's balance and its value at the time of your father's passing. 
 
The court will review your case and may require the distribution of the newly discovered assets to be reconsidered. If the account is part of the estate, the remaining balance will likely need to be distributed according to the terms of the original will or trust. It’s important to be transparent with the court and any beneficiaries about the discovery to avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings. 
 
The beneficiaries from the original probate may be affected, depending on how the assets are divided. If the newly discovered account increases the estate's total value, they may receive a slightly smaller share of the estate's assets. The court will likely follow the original distribution plan, but adjustments might be necessary based on the increase in estate value. Keep the lines of communication open with all beneficiaries to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Q: Reopening probate for newly discovered bank account in Connecticut.