Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC

Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC Providing unique solutions. Life doesn't conform to one template, and neither should your law firm.

We focus on real estate transactions and estate planning, to help you protect and preserve what you spent your life accumulating. We have handle real estate transactions from $20,000 to $5,000,000 and work with people with asset levels from $10,000 to $10,000,000.

Before meeting with an estate-planning attorney, take time to create a clear inventory of what you own: and where it can...
08/31/2026

Before meeting with an estate-planning attorney, take time to create a clear inventory of what you own: and where it can be found.

Include:
• Property: homes, land, and vehicles
• Accounts: checking, savings, retirement, and investments
• Personal items: jewelry, heirlooms, collectibles, and other valuables
• Important contacts: financial advisors, insurance professionals, accountants, and other key people

Also note how assets are titled and who is listed as a beneficiary. A complete inventory helps identify gaps, coordinate your documents, and create an estate plan that works as intended: giving your family greater clarity and fewer headaches later.

Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC helps individuals and families prepare with confidence. Learn more at glastonburylaw.com.

What exactly happens during the probate process?When a loved one passes away, the legal steps required to settle their e...
08/31/2026

What exactly happens during the probate process?

When a loved one passes away, the legal steps required to settle their estate can feel like a heavy burden. Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets to the rightful heirs.

At Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC, we focus on making this transition as smooth and low-stress as possible. Our team guides families through every requirement, including:

- Filing the necessary court documents to start the process.
- Identifying and inventorying all estate assets.
- Resolving outstanding debts and tax obligations.
- Ensuring the final distribution of property follows the law or the deceased's specific wishes.

With over 40 years of experience in central Connecticut, we act as your trusted advisor, handling the complexities so you can focus on your family.

Planning ahead or currently navigating an estate? We are here to help. Visit us at glastonburylaw.com to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Most families who call us after losing a loved one open with the same question: how do we avoid probate?It is almost nev...
08/31/2026

Most families who call us after losing a loved one open with the same question: how do we avoid probate?

It is almost never the real problem.

The stress they are feeling usually traces back to something that happened years before the court ever entered the picture. A trust that was signed but never funded. A beneficiary designation left blank on an old retirement account. A house still titled in a parent's name from a second marriage that ended a decade ago.

Probate is the process. It is not the gap.

The turning point comes when we stop talking about the court proceeding and start looking at the structure that was built during the person's lifetime. Sometimes that structure was thoughtful and complete. Sometimes it was a folder of documents that never quite matched the assets they were meant to cover.

Both look the same on paper. They do not feel the same to the family sitting across the table.

If you have a plan in place, the most useful thing you can do this year is confirm that your assets, titles, and beneficiary designations actually reflect it. That is the work that decides how much probate matters, or does not, when the time comes.

When it comes to protecting your family’s legacy, experience matters. For over 40 years, Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC has be...
08/28/2026

When it comes to protecting your family’s legacy, experience matters.

For over 40 years, Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC has been a fixture in the Glastonbury community, helping neighbors navigate life’s most significant transitions. Whether you are buying your first home, planning for your family’s future, or navigating the complexities of probate, we are here to provide the steady, professional guidance you deserve.

Our multi-generational approach means we don’t just see files: we see families. We pride ourselves on clear communication and a low-stress process, ensuring you feel empowered every step of the way.

Trusted legal support, right here in Glastonbury.

⚖️ Estate Planning
🏠 Real Estate
📜 Probate

Ready to start the conversation? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

glastonburylaw.com

Most families who set up a revocable living trust quietly assume the will is now optional.After 35+ years of guiding Con...
08/28/2026

Most families who set up a revocable living trust quietly assume the will is now optional.

After 35+ years of guiding Connecticut families through estate settlement, we can tell you exactly where that assumption breaks.

A trust only controls what is actually titled in the trust's name. Anything still titled in your own name at death, a bank account you forgot to retitle, a car, a recent inheritance, a piece of real estate, falls outside of it. Without a will directing those assets, they can still land in probate. The very outcome the trust was meant to help your family avoid.

Here is the difference in plain terms:

A trust manages and distributes the assets you have transferred into it, often privately and outside of probate.

A will directs everything else, names guardians for minor children, and appoints the person you trust to carry out your wishes.

A pour-over will works alongside a trust, catching any assets left outside of it and directing them back in.

Most well-built plans include both. Each simply does something the other cannot.

If you already have a trust, it is worth asking two quiet questions. Is every asset you intended to be in the trust actually titled in the trust's name? And do you have a pour-over will in place for anything that is not?

The gap between having documents and having a real plan usually lives in those two answers.

Your family legacy is more than just a list of assets; it is the story of your hard work and the foundation for the next...
08/27/2026

Your family legacy is more than just a list of assets; it is the story of your hard work and the foundation for the next generation. However, without a clear plan, passing that legacy down can become an overwhelming burden for your loved ones.

Estate planning is often seen as just paperwork, but it is truly about harmony. When the details are left unclear, it can lead to unnecessary legal hurdles, unintended tax consequences, and significant emotional stress for those you care about most.

At Kane, Hartley & Kane, we specialize in simplifying the complex. With over 40 years of experience in Glastonbury, we help you navigate these vital discussions today so your family doesn’t have to face them alone tomorrow. Our approach focuses on:

- Tailored strategies like wills and trusts.
- Proactive asset protection.
- Clear communication to minimize transaction risks.
- Personal care over high-volume profit.

Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Let’s create a strategy that provides security for your children and peace of mind for you.

Start the conversation today. Visit us at glastonburylaw.com to book your consultation.

You name someone you trust. But do they actually know what you're asking them to do?It's one of the most common gaps we ...
08/27/2026

You name someone you trust. But do they actually know what you're asking them to do?

It's one of the most common gaps we see in estate plans. A name gets written down, and everyone assumes the job is understood. In reality, your plan can involve three very different roles, and each one carries different authority at a different moment.

Power of Attorney acts while you are alive, and only while you are alive.

Executor steps in after death to settle your estate through probate.

Trustee manages assets held in trust, sometimes for years after you're gone.

Same person can hold all three. But they're three separate jobs, with different timelines, different legal weight, and different skills required.

Naming someone is the easy part. Preparing them, and choosing the right person for each role, is where a real plan begins.

Have questions about who you've named, or whether they're ready? We're always happy to talk it through.

Are you navigating a property transaction in Connecticut?Whether you are closing on your first home or expanding your co...
08/26/2026

Are you navigating a property transaction in Connecticut?

Whether you are closing on your first home or expanding your commercial portfolio, real estate deals involve complex layers of legal paperwork and potential risks. Comprehensive legal oversight isn't just about the closing date: it's about protecting your investment for years to come.

At Kane, Hartley & Kane, PC, we provide meticulous guidance through:
- Thorough document and contract review
- Diligent title searches and protection
- Strategic risk mitigation for buyers and sellers

With over 40 years of experience in Glastonbury, we prioritize clear communication and a low-stress process, so you can focus on your next chapter with peace of mind.

Ready to move forward with confidence? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

glastonburylaw.com

Being named executor feels like an honor. Legally, it's something heavier than most people realize.The word "fiduciary" ...
08/26/2026

Being named executor feels like an honor. Legally, it's something heavier than most people realize.

The word "fiduciary" often gets treated like a compliment. A sign that a loved one trusted you above everyone else. In reality, it's a legally enforceable standard of conduct, and getting it wrong can leave you personally on the hook.

Here's what that role actually asks of you in Connecticut probate:

1. Identify and safeguard every asset in the estate
2. Notify creditors and pay valid debts before any distributions
3. File the required court documents on time and accurately
4. Distribute what remains to beneficiaries according to the will and the law
5. Do all of it in the best interests of the estate, not your own

The gap between "I was chosen" and "I am now legally accountable" is where most executors run into trouble. Rarely because they meant any harm. Usually because no one explained that every decision is measured against a legal duty.

If you've been named executor, or you're naming one in your own plan, understanding this word is the first step. We walk families through it every week, so the honor never turns into a hardship.

Who would make your medical decisions if you were unable to speak for yourself? Planning for healthcare is a compassiona...
08/25/2026

Who would make your medical decisions if you were unable to speak for yourself? Planning for healthcare is a compassionate gift for your family. By appointing a healthcare agent and setting clear directives, you ensure your wishes are followed and spare loved ones from guessing during a crisis. These documents eliminate legal ambiguity, reduce the emotional burden on your family, and ensure your personal values guide your care. At Kane, Hartley & Kane, we have over 40 years of experience helping Glastonbury families navigate these decisions with personal care. Take the first step toward peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss your estate planning needs. glastonburylaw.com

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972 New London Turnpike
Glastonbury, CT
06033

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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