Synonyms

probate court

American

noun

a special court with power over administration of estates of deceased persons, the probate of wills, etc.

probate court Cultural

A court that has jurisdiction over wills, estates, and guardianship of children.

Etymology

Origin of probate court

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Most of my friends have never had to write an obituary, or file a life insurance claim, or deal with probate court.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

To apply to be a conservator, you need to file a petition with the probate court in the county where he lives.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

If beneficiaries agree, you can ask probate court to alter or terminate the trust.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

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 • Feb. 6, 2026

The lawyers were prompt in having the guardianship question brought up in the probate court for settlement first.

From Clark's Field by Herrick, Robert

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023