(a) The process of a court admitting a will as valid or (b) The process of administering a decedent's estate
Estate Administration
The process of managing a decedent's property under court supervision; it includes collection of decedent's assets, payment of debts and taxes, and distribution of remaining property
Formal Probate
A proceeding before a judge to determine if the decedent left a valid will
Informal Probate
A process supervised by a court official to probate a will or appoint a personal representative
Personal Representative
Also known as administrator or executor; a legal representative who is appointed by the court to administer the decedent's estate
Executor
A person nominated in the will to carry out the gifts and directions contained in the will.
Administrator
The court appointed legal representative, not named in the will, who manages the administration of the decedent's estate
Bond
Promise of a guarantor to pay the estate if the personal representative fails to properly administer the decedent's estate
Surety
One who promises to pay money if the personal representative fails to properly administer the decedent's estate