Estate Planning : Probate Proceedings

Probate is the process by which assets are transferred at death to a decedent’s legal heirs through the court system. This process involves an initial court appearance to open the decedent’s estate, and may include further court appearances to advise the court of the status of the estate administration. The assets of the decedent are identified and collected, and the debts of the decedent are paid. The administration of probate estates may also include the preparation of federal and state estate tax returns for larger estates. Once the administration of the estate is completed and any required tax returns filed and approved, the probate estate is closed with the court, and the assets of the decedent distributed to their legal heirs or beneficiaries named under their will.