What is probate?

Wills, Probate, and Estate Planning

Probate is the legal process to distribute your assets after your death. Probate is also called “administering your estate”. A probate proceeding may be used if you have a Will (testate probate) and also when a person does not have a Will (intestate probate). A petition for probate is filed, the Court appoints the person to administer your estate (you will chose this person if you have a Will), and your assets are distributed to your heirs and as you direct if you have a Will.