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Today's Terms
Probate
Definition:
The process through which the legal title to property is transferred from a decedent to the beneficiaries. If a person dies with a will (testate), the probate court determines if the will is valid, hears any objections to the will, orders that creditors be paid and supervises the process to assure that property is distributed by the Personal Representative or Executor according to the terms of the will. If a person dies without a will (intestate) the probate court appoints an Administrator who receives all claims, pays creditors, and then distributes all property according to the laws of the state.
Will
Definition:
A written document that provides instructions for disposing of a person's property upon the person's death. A will generally also names an executor or personal representative to handle the estate.
Decedent
Definition:
A person who has died.
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