How the probate process works

Probate court determines if a document offered as a will is valid. If the court deems the will valid, it will supervise the distribution of property based on the terms defined in the will. In most cases, the deceased names the executor in the will. This person oversees the distribution of assets during the probate process.

If a person dies without a will, the estate still undergoes the probate process. The court may appoint an administrator to divide the property. The court then will approve the administrator’s distribution of the decedent’s assets.