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

Can we legally reject the inheritance through a filing with the probate court?

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

In addition, the probate court would have the authority to temporarily bar your brother from taking any further actions that could continue to diminish the trust’s assets.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

In 1870 the probate court appointed commissioners to make partition of the common lands of the Marshpee Indians referred to in the Act of 1869.

From The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920 by Various

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