Probate is the process of settling an estate by a personal representative through the court system.  Estate administration is necessary if a person dies with or without a will.  An exception may occur if a person dies with little to no property and no action is necessary to distribute property to beneficiaries or heirs. Administration involves collecting assets, payment of debts and claims, payment of individual or estate taxes, determination of heirs if a person died without a will and distribution of the remainder of the estate to those entitled.

You may need to probate your love one’s estate if you have the following situations: