probate

[proh-beyt]

noun

1. Law.,  the official proving of a will as authentic or valid in a probate court.

2. an officially certified copy of a will so proved.

adjective

1. of or relating to probate or a probate court.

verb (used with object)

probated, probating 

1. to establish the authenticity or validity of (a will).

2. Law.,  to put (an offender) on probation.

probate

/ -beɪt, ˈprəʊbɪt /

noun

1. the act or process of officially proving the authenticity and validity of a will

2. 1. the official certificate stating a will to be genuine and conferring on the executors power to administer the estate

   2. the probate copy of a will

3. (in the US) all matters within the jurisdiction of a probate court

4. (modifier) of, relating to, or concerned with probate

   probate value

   a probate court

verb

1. (tr) to establish officially the authenticity and validity of (a will)

Other Word Forms

• unprobated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English probat, from Latin probātum “a thing approved,” noun use of neuter past participle of probāre “to examine, test”; prove

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

C15: from Latin probāre to inspect

Example Sentences

Importantly, setting up a trust would help your husband’s executor — that is, you — to avoid probate.

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First, the statute of limitations to contest a will in California is 120 days from the day the will is entered into probate.

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“If you are an out-of-state resident with an interest in a will or potential interest, New Jersey law provides a longer period of 180 days from the notice of probate to contest a will.”

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So far, no one in the family has received anything from her estate, and based on county records, it appears the probate process has not yet begun.

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As Antony started to engage with the messy business of probate, he came across a small brown leather case in his father's old flat in the Hampshire town of Lymington.

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