Probate is the legal process that allows your property and possessions to be passed on to your heirs or beneficiaries. If there is a will with a designated executor and specific instructions, then probate can be relatively quick and straightforward. It is simply the legal formality needed for asset transfer to beneficiaries. In many cases, this is handled with one court appearance.
However, when a person passes without a will, the probate process can become more complicated and may take much longer to complete. Your family may wait months or years to receive their inheritance. The size and nature of the estate will determine what type of proceedings will be necessary, but there may need to be a determination of heirship proceeding or muniment of title proceeding. When facing any probate situation, you want an attorney to work with you to determine the easiest, most cost-effective way to resolve the estate.
