Probate is the legal process of managing and transferring a person’s assets after they pass away, ensuring that their property is distributed according to their will or, if no will exists, by state laws. Key steps in probate include verifying the validity of the will, appointing a personal representative, identifying and securing assets, notifying creditors and paying outstanding debts, filing taxes, and finally distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.

The executor has a range of duties throughout this process, including managing estate funds, paying any debts or taxes, and maintaining transparency with the probate court through documentation and reports. Probate can take over one year or even longer, especially if there are disputes or complex assets involved.