In brief
Probate is a court process that may be used to validate a will, appoint a personal representative and administer assets under applicable law.
What to do next
- Find the court serving the decedent’s residence
- Determine whether probate is required for the assets involved
- Locate the will and death certificate
- Review available estate procedures and forms
- Ask about filing, notice and reporting requirements
Questions worth asking
Who has legal authority? Which assets are involved? Which state’s law applies? Are there court deadlines, tax issues, or disagreements that require professional advice?
Where to go from here
Use the state directory to locate the relevant jurisdiction and verify current requirements with official courts or government agencies. The free tools can help organize information before a professional appointment.