Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. It includes: proving in court that a deceased person's will is valid (usually a routine matter) identifying and inventorying the deceased person's property; having the property appraised; paying debts and taxes, and;, What is Probate? Probate is the formal legal process that gives recognition to a will and appoints the executor or personal representative who will administer the estate and distribute assets to the intended beneficiaries. The laws of each state vary, so it is a good idea to consult an attorney to determine whether a probate proceeding is , Probate law outlines the requirement for handling a person’s estate. It involves paying off a deceased person’s debts and properly transferring their property to their heirs and loved ones. Essentially, a probate court looks for new owners for your property after you die. If you do not name them in a will, a probate court must take the time , Probate laws vary by state, but there are some commonalities: Cost: "Although fees and rules can vary widely, most large estates pay from 0.5% to 4% in probate costs," Austin says.Although 19 states have adopted the Uniform Probate Code, which mandates that lawyers charge only a "reasonable fee" for probate services, 1 seven states (Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, and , In some states, including those that have adopted the entire set of laws called the Uniform Probate Code, the process is simpler and quicker than the one described here. It's worth mentioning that many estates don't need to go through regular probate; many estates qualify as "small estates" under state law, even if they contain valuable assets., Probate may sound intimidating, but it shouldn’t be a daunting process. A detailed will that designates an executor can ensure the proper transfer of your property to the right heirs after you die. The probate process isn’t always necessary, however. So it’s important to seek help from a lawyer to see how state law affects probate in your .