Probate is the judicial process by which a court proves that a testamentary document is a valid will. A valid will means that the testator/decedent had testamentary capacity and there was no fraud, duress, or undue influence. A valid will also has to be duly executed, meaning it must meet the jurisdiction’s statutory requirements, like that a will must be signed. However, some jurisdictions allow for limited flexibility with doctrines like the harmless error rule, which allows a will into probate despite having harmless errors. Ultimately, once a will is determined to be valid and admitted to probate, it will be valid against the parties to the proceedings and others who had notice. Still, probate does not bar later disputes over the proper interpretation or legal effect of its terms.
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 under court supervision. In this process, the executor named in the will is responsible for these tasks. If no executor was named or they are unwilling or unable to serve, the court appoints a personal representative to administer the estate.
[Last reviewed in January of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]