What are the steps in the probate process??
The probate procedure, though it will vary somewhat from state to state, generally proceeds as follows: • The deceased’s residence is legally determined. (The legal word for the home is “domicile.”) • The will must be proven to be valid and must be recorded at the probate court in the county where the person lived. Experienced probate lawyers can easily handle this step. • If a will exists, the lawyer will ask the probate court to appoint an executor (sometimes called a personal representative). Many wills nominate an executor. The court usually appoints the person named in the will. • Some wills require the executor to “post a bond” with the probate court. The bond is a money guarantee that the executor will take good care of the estate. • Executors can ask the court to be paid for their services. The payments come from the estate. Often, a family member will take on the responsibility without charging the estate.
