Probate: insult on top of injury. No one likes it and the timing is terrible, but it’s often a necessary part of the estate settlement process. If you’re wondering what exactly it is and why it has the reputation of being the DMV of estate planning, here’s a quick overview.
What Is Probate? (The Basics)
At its core, probate is the judicial process by which a court determines that a testamentary document is a valid will. Once admitted to probate, the will is generally conclusive as to the testator’s capacity, the absence of fraud or undue influence, and the due execution of the instrument.
Probate also refers to the broader court proceedings that supervise the administration of a decedent’s estate. This includes collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries. In short, it’s how the court ensures everything goes according to someone’s wishes.
Why Does Probate Exist? (Seriously, Why?)
While it may test your patience, it serves a few important purposes:
- Proving the Will Is Legit: The court validates wills, ensuring they meet legal requirements and weren’t created under fraud or undue influence.
- Settling Debts and Taxes: If the estate owes money, probate ensures creditors get their share before anyone else dips into the pot.
- Fair Distribution: When there’s no will (dying “intestate“), probate ensures assets go where they’re supposed to go according to state laws. This prevents real-life Game of Thrones scenarios.
How Does It Work?
The process varies by state, but here’s the overall framework:
- Filing the Paperwork: First, someone (usually the executor named in the will) files a petition with the court. If there’s no will, the court appoints someone to handle the estate.
- Notifying the World: The executor must notify beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors. Yes, even the ones everyone is trying to avoid.
- Making a List (and Checking It Twice): Someone inventories and values all assets, big or small. From family heirlooms to that funky lamp no one wanted.
- Paying the Bills: Before any inheritance drama can unfold, debts and taxes get paid first. (They don’t just vanish, unfortunately.)
- Divvying It Up: Whatever’s left goes to the heirs or beneficiaries. Cue the sighs of relief.
Do All Assets Go Through Probate?
Thankfully, no! Some assets take the express lane around probate, like:
- Trusts (a probate MVP),
- Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, and
- Accounts with designated beneficiaries like life insurance or retirement plans.
Can You Dodge Probate?
Smaller estates or those with solid estate plans can simplify or even avoid probate altogether. Planning ahead saves your loved ones the hassle (and possibly a few gray hairs). Creating a revocable trust is the most effective way to avoid probate—it allows assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. Use our probate cost calculator to see how much probate might cost your family.
The DMV of Estate Planning
We’ll just say it: probate is a headache that can come at a really tough time. But it’s there to keep things fair and square. The good news is that a little planning—like creating a trust and organizing your assets—can make probate unnecessary or at least less of a burden for your loved ones. Probate typically costs 3-7% of an estate’s value and takes 1-2 years to complete, while a trust costs a fraction upfront and transfers assets immediately.
And, really, isn’t that what estate planning is all about? Giving your family peace of mind?
Sources
- Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute – Probate Definition. Accessed January 2026.
- North Carolina Judicial Branch – Wills and Estates. Accessed January 2026.
