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

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

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

He has filled the offices of county auditor, county commissioner and judge of probate court.

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

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