How to Probate a Will

The process of probate for a will determines the validity of the document. If you need to probate a will there are several things you’ll need to do. The will itself needs to be inspected, and property needs to be looked at. Hiring an attorney will help get the process done faster.

Probating a will proves that the will itself is valid and authentic. This will help the beneficiary get what was left to them. Certain things are not going to need to go through probate. Things such as beneficiary rights on retirement plans as well as life insurance and trusts do not have to be probated.

• Locate the will and then figure out if the deceased person had any real property. This could mean a land or a house. Anything else on the will is going to be considered more personal property.


• Find the location where wills are probated. Certain states have probate courts while others have a circuit court where the property of the deceased can be found if there is any.


• Figure out all of the assets that the deceased person owned. It is best to have their mail redirected to go to your home so you can be made more aware of any important documents. Go through their home for additional information on important documents.


• Set up an appointment with an administrator if the deceased person did not have their own attorney. You will then need to set up an appointment with the probate or circuit court. Be sure to bring along all of the important information such as the assets list and values. You should also have the death certificate as well as the original will.


• Speak with an estate planning attorney or a courthouse clerk for any questions or concerns that you may have regarding probating the will.