What is Probate Court?

Typically, probate involves paperwork and court appearances by lawyers. The lawyers and court fees are paid from estate property, which would otherwise go to the people who inherit the deceased person's property. Probate usually works like this: After your death, the person you named in your will as executor files papers in the local probate court. He or she then proves the validity of your will and presents the court with lists of your property, your debts, and who is to inherit what you've left. Your executor must find, secure and manage your assets during the probate process, which commonly takes a few months to a year. Depending on the contents of your will, and on the amount of your debts, the executor may have to decide whether or not to sell your real estate, securities or other property