probate

Probate is the process of administering a deceased person’s estate (their money, real estate, assets and possessions) and distributing the remainder after all debts and taxes are paid. If there is a will, the entire process is much easier because the court will verify that the will is accurate and real, and then oversee the distribution to the rightful heirs by a named or agreed upon executor/executrix. If there is no will, the courts will instead appoint a personal representative to review the estate (assets, debts, etc) and find a fair way to distribute to the appropriate beneficiaries.