Probate

Probate refers to the legal process through which a deceased person’s will is validated, and their estate is administered. This process typically involves proving the validity of the will, appointing an executor, identifying and valuing the deceased’s Assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining Assets to the beneficiaries.

Examples of probate include:

  • A widow discovers her late husband’s will after his passing, which specifies how their Assets should be distributed. The probate court verifies the will and oversees the distribution process.
  • In the case of a person who dies without a will (intestate), probate courts will determine how the estate is divided according to state laws.

Notable cases include:

  • The probate of the estate of Prince, where disputes arose over the distribution of his substantial Assets due to the lack of a will.
  • The probate of Michael Jackson’s estate, which involved complex litigation regarding the valuation and management of his Assets.