What Is Probate?
Probate is a court-supervised process that may be used to administer a deceased person’s estate.
What to know
Whether probate is needed depends on ownership, beneficiary designations, state law, asset value, and other facts. Some estates may qualify for simplified procedures.
Practical next steps
- Identify your state and relevant documents.
- Write down the specific questions you need answered.
- Confirm applicable rules with official sources or a qualified professional.
- Keep copies of important documents and decisions.