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.

See Examples For:

probate court

If these do not apply, then the bank will require a probate court order to access the account,” the law firm adds.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026

MarketWatch examined legal documents filed in state probate court that detailed her family’s battle.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

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

You need a litigation attorney experienced in elder abuse, fiduciary litigation and/or probate court disputes who can act fast.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 19, 2026

So there wuz, and I'll be eternally goll durned if he aint a-suin' the estate in the probate court now f'r the price uv it!

From A Little Book of Profitable Tales by Field, Eugene

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