What is probate and how does it work?

Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after their death. When a person passes away, their estate must be distributed among creditors and beneficiaries according to the will or state law. Probate is the court-supervised process that resolves the decedent’s debts and distributes the estate assets. In Washington, probate is handled in the state’s superior court. The process begins when a petition is filed to open a probate with the court. The petitioner may be the personal representative of the estate or another person, such as a creditor. The court will then appoint a personal representative to handle the administration process. The personal representative is responsible for collecting the assets of the deceased, paying any outstanding debts, filing all necessary documents with the court, and finally distributing assets in accordance with the will or state law. During the probate process, the court will review the documents filed by the personal representative and make sure the decedent’s assets are being distributed according to the will or state law. Once all requirements are met, the court will issue an order closing the probate. The personal representative will then be responsible for distributing any remaining assets to the named beneficiaries. Probate is a complex and time-consuming process. It is important to seek out an experienced attorney in Washington to handle the legal aspects of probating a will.

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What is probate and how does it work?

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