How do you probate a will?
Probating a will is the process of proving that the person who wrote it is really dead and receiving their assets. It's a little different from an estate, which is everything the deceased owned at their death, including any property they left to people in their will. The steps of probate depend on where you live and whether there are any challenges to the will. Here are some of the general steps: - The executor files a petition with the court, stating that he or she wishes to be appointed as executor and petitioning for letters of testamentary (will) or administration (no will) . This petition initiates the probate process. The person who has already been declared legally dead will be offered a chance to object to this petition. - The executor pays off any debts or taxes that must be paid before probate can proceed. Taxes owed by the estate are called " estate taxes ." Debts ...