2012 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 45a - Probate Courts and Procedure
Chapter 802b - Decedents’ Estates
Section 45a-368 - (Formerly Sec. 45-230q). Liability of beneficiaries.

(a) Subject to the provisions of sections 45a-369 to 45a-375, inclusive, a beneficiary is liable, in an action or actions, to the extent of the fair market value on the date of distribution of any assets received by him as a beneficiary from the estate of a decedent, for the expenses of administering the estate, claims, funeral expenses of the decedent, and all taxes for which the estate is liable, which have not previously been recovered out of assets held by the fiduciary or from any other source described in subsection (b) of this section or in section 45a-409. For purposes of this section, the date of distribution of real estate specifically devised and real estate passing under the laws of descent and distribution shall be the date of the decedent’s death.

(b) No liability may be imposed upon any such beneficiary under subsection (a) of this section, unless the plaintiff establishes satisfactorily to the court that the obligation to him cannot be fully satisfied: (1) Because there are insufficient assets available for such purpose in the hands of the fiduciary; (2) by action against persons prior in liability to the defendant under subsections (a), (b) and (c) of section 45a-369, because such persons are insolvent or for any other reason, other than not being amenable to suit in this state, cannot be made to answer for their liabilities; and (3) by the enforcement, under section 45a-266, of any lien, security interest or other charge he holds against assets of the decedent specifically disposed of by will or passing to a distributee, or against the proceeds of any policy of insurance on the life of the decedent payable to a named beneficiary.

(P.A. 87-384, S. 16; P.A. 89-202, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 89-202 amended Subsec. (a) by substituting “45-230” for “45-230e” and in Subsec. (b) substituted “the obligation to him cannot be fully satisfied” for “he cannot fully satisfy his claim”; Sec. 45-230q transferred to Sec. 45a-368 in 1991.