Probate at Legal Glossary

What is it? The court process following a persons death that includes proving the authenticity of the deceased persons will appointing someone to handle the deceased persons affairs identifying and inventorying the deceased persons property paying debts and taxes identifying heirs, and distributing the deceased persons property according to the will or, if there is no will, according to state law. Formal court-supervised probate is a costly, time-consuming process -- a windfall for lawyers -- which is best avoided if possible.

Law Definition Added By: Arianna

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