Probate and Administration

• Probate is the process of proving the validity of a will. If your spouse left a will, he is known as a testator. To make the process as seamless as possible, it is best if your spouse left you, the surviving spouse, the house and assets. If the deceased did not have a will, he died "intestate." In this case, the state usually appoints an executor. Assets, including access to any real estate, are made available after the deceased spouse's funeral expenses and taxes are paid, and all remaining debts have been settled. The first course of descent goes to the surviving spouse.