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Estate Settlement & Probate Law

Experienced Guidance Through the Probate and Estate Settlement Process

At The Prue Law Group, we pride ourselves on the skilled, personal guidance we provide to our clients going through the probate and estate settlement process. Our Estate Settlement and Probate Law division is led by Attorney Prue, who brings decades of experience as a probate judge, and Attorney Evelina M. Ruszkowski, a multiple Rising Star award winner. Our team offers deep knowledge of Connecticut’s estate settlement and probate procedures, helping to ensure your loved one’s estate is settled efficiently and according to their wishes.

Attorney Evelina Ruszkowski and Paralegal Franchesca York

How we help:

Our comprehensive estate settlement and probate services include:

  • Estate Administration — We manage all aspects of the estate settlement process, from asset collection and inventory to bill payment and final distribution
  • Probate Court Navigation — Our team leverages deep knowledge of Connecticut’s probate system to guide you through each step of the legal process
  • Conservatorship Applications — We assist with preparing and filing applications for conservatorship of the person and/or estate when loved ones need additional protection
  • Trust Administration — Our experienced attorneys can serve as trustees or assist appointed trustees in managing and distributing trust assets
  • Fiduciary Services — We offer professional fiduciary services for both estates and trusts, providing objective oversight and administration
  • Probate Litigation — When disputes arise, our team provides skilled representation to protect the interests of beneficiaries and fiduciaries
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The Prue Law Advantage

At The Prue Law Group, we understand that the probate and estate settlement process often comes during a time of grief and emotional strain. Our approach combines legal expertise with compassionate guidance, handling the complicated paperwork, court communications, and procedural requirements so you can focus on what matters most. With Attorney Prue’s background as a probate judge, we offer insider knowledge of the probate system that few firms can match.

Meet Our Estate Settlement & Probate Attorneys & Paralegals

Our attorneys, paralegals and support staff work as a team on your behalf.

Attorney Patrick M. Prue

Attorney Evelina Ruszkowski

Attorney Evelina M. Ruszkowski

Attorney Samantha L. Graves

Attorney Samantha L. Graves

Paralegal Franchesca York

Franchesca M. York, Paralegal

Paralegal Hollie Lafrance

Hollie LaFrance, Paralegal

Law Clerk Bryanna Simons

Bryanna K. Simons, Law Clerk

Take the First Step –
Schedule an Estate Settlement Consultation

If you’re facing the responsibility of settling a loved one’s estate, expert legal guidance can make all the difference. Meet with our probate and estate settlement team at any of our convenient offices in Willimantic, Brooklyn, or Coventry – or virtually, if you prefer.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Settlement & Probate

Probate is the legal process that validates a will, appoints an executor (or administrator if there’s no will), and oversees the proper distribution of a deceased person’s assets. This court-supervised process ensures debts are paid and remaining assets are transferred to the rightful beneficiaries. Even with a valid will, most estates containing titled assets (real estate, vehicles, financial accounts) must go through some form of probate. Our team guides you through this process with minimal stress and maximum efficiency.

The duration varies depending on the estate’s complexity, but typically ranges from 6-12 months for straightforward estates. Factors that can extend the timeline include contested wills, complex assets, outstanding debts, tax issues, or missing heirs. With our extensive probate experience and proactive approach, we work to expedite the process while ensuring all legal requirements are properly fulfilled.

Executors (also called administrators or personal representatives) have significant duties including: identifying and securing estate assets; creating an inventory; paying valid debts and taxes; distributing remaining assets according to the will or state law; and providing accountings to the court and beneficiaries. These responsibilities carry legal liability, which is why many executors choose to work with experienced probate attorneys. Our team can either assist appointed executors or serve as professional fiduciaries ourselves.

Hear from Our Clients

Their success is our success.

George Delude
"Prue Law Group has handled several real estate transactions for us, as well as some business matters and a conservatorship, and they've always done a great job. The whole team is very helpful, always providing expert advice. They're there when I need them. I can depend on them and that's very important to me." – George Delude
"Their exceptional communication and accessibility made me feel like their only client during a difficult time." – Sue Sharpley
"The Prue Law Group helped me during a difficult time in my life. They responded quickly to all my phone calls/emails even during the height of COVID. They were always kind and understanding, taking the time to explain everything I needed to know or do next." – Nicole Griggi
"I wanted to write to express my sincere appreciation for all that you did to help my parents. They always spoke highly of you and had complete confidence in your advice. You were also generous in helping us sort through what our next steps should be as the four siblings began to make plans for the sale of the property." – Ann Sullivan
"Pat and his staff are friendly and down-to-earth. They turn lawyer talk into plain English. They work quickly and professionally." – Scott W.
"Thanks Pat for another smooth closing. I can always count on everyone at the Prue Law Group! You all do a great job." – Kerry Grimshaw
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