Probate Procedures

Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone passes away, involving the administration of their estate. It verifies the deceased's will (if one exists) in court and ensures that debts are settled before distributing remaining assets to heirs. The executor, named in the will, manages this process, which may include inventorying assets, paying creditors, and filing tax returns. If no will exists, the court appoints an administrator to handle the estate following intestacy laws. The entire procedure can take several months to years, depending on the complexity of the estate and any potential disputes.