Law Office Valerie Finger

Probate is the legal process that deals with how a person’s assets and debts are handled after death. The process is different depending on whether or not the person had a valid will.

If your loved one died with a valid will, the probate process gives the named executor authority to act on behalf of the estate. This means the executor has authority to deal with debts of the estate and to distribute property to the beneficiaries named in the will.

If your loved one died without a valid will, the probate process determines who are the legal heirs of the deceased and, depending on the situation, may appoint an administrator to pay debts of the estate and distribute property to the heirs.