Basics of Probate

What is probate?

Probate is a legal process to settle the estate of a deceased person by validating a will, if there is one, paying off legitimate debts owed by the individual and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries and heirs. 

Probate takes place in the county where the decedent resided.

Probate court oversees the handling of the estate and grants a personal representative or an executor/executrix, if there is a will,  the legal authority to administer the estate.

Probate typically takes 9 to 18 months from opening the estate to final discharge.

 

 

 

 

 

*For informational purposes only, not intended to replace professional legal advice.