Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone passes away. It involves the distribution of the deceased person's assets and the settling of their debts. The court is involved in the probate process because it oversees the distribution of the deceased person's assets and ensures that their debts are paid off.
The probate process begins when someone, typically a family member or close friend, files a petition with the court to open probate. Once the court approves the petition, an executor is appointed to manage the deceased person's estate. The executor is responsible for identifying and collecting the assets of the estate, paying off any debts or taxes owed, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will, or to the deceased person's heirs if there is no will.
The court's involvement in the probate process is necessary to ensure that the deceased person's wishes are followed, and that their assets are distributed according to the law. The court also provides a mechanism for resolving disputes that may arise during the probate process. Overall, the court's involvement helps to provide a fair and transparent process for the distribution of the deceased person's assets.