Wills, Trusts and Estates

Losing a loved one is a sad and difficult time for family, relatives, and friends. In addition, those left behind must often figure out how to transfer or inherit property from the person who has died.

To do this, you must usually go to court. Dealing with the courts and the property of someone who has died is very complicated. Sometimes, however, family or relatives may be able to transfer property from someone who has died without going to court. But it is not always easy to tell whether you need to go to court or qualify to use a different procedure.

• To find a lawyer, click on the bar association's lawyer referral service or call 1-866-442-2529.

Probate means that there is a court case that deals with:

• Transferring the property of someone who has died to the heirs or beneficiaries;
• Deciding if a will is valid; and
• Taking care of the financial responsibilities of the person who died.

In a probate case, an executor (if there is a will) or an administrator (if there is no will) is appointed by the court as personal representative to collect the assets, pay the debts and expenses, and then distribute the remainder of the estate to the beneficiaries (those who have the legal right to inherit), all under the supervision of the court. The entire case can take between 9 months to 1½ years, maybe even longer.

Click on the links below for more information about:

• Mediation
• Probate Forms
• Where to file your probate case.

More Information on Wills, Estates and Probate Cases 

More Probate - Decedents Estates Court Forms Online

Tell us about your court experience

Report website problems