probate

American  

[proh-beyt] / ˈproʊ beɪt /

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.

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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 British  

/ -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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• unprobated adjective

Etymology

Origin of probate

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

Example Sentences

You could be asked for probate documents, a letter from the executor and/or a death certificate to confirm this cash is from a legal source.

From MarketWatch

Your stepmother appears to have persuaded you not to exercise your legal right — in this case, contesting probate — and then refusing payment.

From MarketWatch

But putting any additional assets in a trust would also help avoid probate.

From MarketWatch

In Washington state, community property with right of survivorship avoids probate and has a step-up in basis.

From MarketWatch

Once a valid will is discovered, Florida law requires it to be submitted to the probate court, even if it is decades old and/or contradicts how the estate was probated.

From MarketWatch