2012 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 45a - Probate Courts and Procedure
Chapter 802b - Decedents’ Estates
Section 45a-451 - (Formerly Sec. 45-286a). Securing of interest of remainderman in personal property after life estate.

When a life estate in any personal property is given by will to one with remainder to another, and there is no trustee named for such property during the continuance of the life estate therein, the court of probate having jurisdiction of such will may order the executor to deliver such personal property to the person having the life estate upon his giving a probate bond. It shall be the duty of the person having the life estate thereupon to safely and properly keep such property to be delivered to the person entitled to receive it on the determination of the life estate therein. If such person fails to give bond as provided in this section, the court shall appoint a trustee for such property during the continuance of such life estate who shall give a probate bond. The annual expense of such trust shall be chargeable upon the annual income of such property.

(1949 Rev., S. 6971; P.A. 80-227, S. 17, 24; 80-476, S. 333.)

History: P.A. 80-227 required trustee to give probate bond, effective July 1, 1981; P.A. 80-476 rephrased provisions and substituted “property” for “estate”; Sec. 45-183 transferred to Sec. 45-286a in 1981; Sec. 45-286a transferred to Sec. 45a-451 in 1991.

At common law life tenant of personal property may be compelled to give security in case of real danger of loss or removal. 8 C. 363; 13 C. 46; 34 C. 178. This section applies to all life legatees. 44 C. 463. This section does not interfere with powers of courts of equity in similar cases. 53 C. 172. Will may direct otherwise. 57 C. 201. Bond covers trustee’s duties on termination of life estate. 60 C. 542. No other security or protection can be ordinarily required. Id., 541. Under what circumstances bond may be required. 65 C. 181, Id., 227; 69 C. 415; 71 C. 157. No bond can be required of a tenant in tail of personal property. 72 C 31. Life tenant may be restrained by injunction from using fund until bond given, where she has been wasting it. 80 C. 413. Statute applies to life tenant who is in effect a trustee. 91 C. 464. Bond is for protection of all persons interested in remainder, including persons entitled thereto through exercise of power of appointment given to life tenant. 124 C. 429. Statute does not apply to determinable fee; to obtain security in such case application should be made to court of equity having jurisdiction. 129 C. 353.