Probate is the administration of the deceased’s estate by a court pursuant to the terms of the deceased's Will or, if there is no Will, according to the laws of intestate descent and distribution. 

 

In general, probate involves the collection, inventory and appraisal of assets, payment of any necessary taxes, creditors' claims and costs of administration of the estate, and finally distribution of the decedent's property pursuant to their Will or if an individual dies without a Will, under the laws of intestate descent and distribution.