probate court

American  

noun

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

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probate court Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of probate court

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

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

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

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

It requires that all wills should be filed with the probate court when they are discovered, even if probate has already been informally initiated or some assets were already distributed.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

File a petition with the probate court to remove your sister as executor.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

He served the people of Benton county as judge of probate court and county superintendent of schools.

From Fifty Years In The Northwest With An Introduction And Appendix Containing Reminiscences, Incidents And Notes by Folsom, William Henry Carman