What is a probate court and how does it handle intestate succession?

A probate court is a legal court system that deals with the legal process of resolving the estate of a deceased person. This process is known as probate. When a person dies without a will, it’s called intestacy, and the laws of intestate succession dictate how the deceased person’s property passes on to heirs. In California, the probate court is responsible for handling intestate succession. The first step is to identify the deceased’s heirs and any assets that remain in the estate. The court will then determine who is entitled to take possession of the assets and how they should be distributed. The court may also decide matters relating to any debts or taxes owed by the estate. The court may appoint an executor to handle the task of administering the estate. This includes filing necessary documents, collecting assets, and making payments to creditors. The court also oversees the executor’s work and can revoke their appointment if they have not fulfilled their duties. Once all matters related to the estate are settled, the court will issue an order of distribution, which is a record of how the assets of the estate were divided among the heirs. This document is legally binding and is an important part of the probate process.

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What is a probate court and how does it handle intestate succession?

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