Probate is the process that takes place after someone dies. Probate typically includes:
- proving in court that the deceased's will is valid and real
- identifying/inventorying the deceased person's property and their assets
- having the property appraised by a profesional
- paying any of the deceased's unpaid debts or taxes
- distributing the remaining property as the will directs. If there is no will, state law dictates what happens to the deceased's assets and property.