Bill > HB07142

This bill establishes a new legal cause of action for tortious interference with the right of an inheritance, which allows individuals to sue someone who intentionally prevents them from receiving an expected inheritance. To bring such a lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove five specific elements: (1) they had a reasonable expectation of receiving an inheritance, (2) another person knew about this expected inheritance, (3) that person took deliberate actions intended to interfere with the inheritance, (4) those actions were legally considered tortious (meaning they violated a legal duty or standard), and (5) the plaintiff suffered actual economic loss as a result. The bill allows aggrieved individuals to file a lawsuit in the Superior Court to recover damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees, with the important limitation that such legal action must be initiated within three years of the alleged interfering act. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and provides a new legal pathway for individuals who believe someone has wrongfully prevented them from receiving an inheritance they were expecting.

Justice

Judiciary Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07142&which_year=2025