Tip - Frequently Asked Questions About Probate

What is probate? Probate is a court procedure where the validity of a will is proved or disproved.  It involves all estate administration proceedings.  When a person dies, all property, other than property passing directly to others (such as property held in joint tenancy, life insurance proceeds and retirement plans payable to a named beneficiary), may be subject to a probate proceeding.  An estate is generally probated in the county where the deceased owned property.  If property is located in another state, additional proceedings are sometimes necessary in that state.