CT SB00213

Persons found not guilty of murder or manslaughter by reason of mental disease or defect are now treated the same as those convicted of these crimes regarding inheritance rights from their victims' estates.

Individuals adjudged guilty or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect under specified homicide statutes cannot inherit from the deceased victim, receive devises or legacies, or claim property as beneficiary or survivor.

Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship in real property is severed and converted to tenancy in common; joint personal property becomes solely owned by the deceased victim unless the adjudged person can prove their financial contributions.

Life insurance policy and annuity beneficiaries who are convicted or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect cannot receive benefits, which are then payable as if the beneficiary predeceased the deceased.

Courts may allow equity petitions to override inheritance prohibitions if doing so fulfills the deceased's intent or would prevent gross inequity, with the burden of proof on the petitioner.