probate

American  

[proh-beyt] / ˈproʊ beɪt /

noun

1. Law. the official proving of a will as authentic or valid in a probate court.

2. an officially certified copy of a will so proved.

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adjective

1. of or relating to probate or a probate court.

verb (used with object)

probated, probating

1. to establish the authenticity or validity of (a will).

2. Law. to put (an offender) on probation.

probate British  

/ -beɪt, ˈprəʊbɪt /

noun

1. the act or process of officially proving the authenticity and validity of a will

2. 1. the official certificate stating a will to be genuine and conferring on the executors power to administer the estate

   2. the probate copy of a will

3. (in the US) all matters within the jurisdiction of a probate court

4. (modifier) of, relating to, or concerned with probate

   probate value

   a probate court

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verb

1. (tr) to establish officially the authenticity and validity of (a will)

Other Word Forms

• unprobated adjective

Etymology

Origin of probate

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English probat, from Latin probātum “a thing approved,” noun use of neuter past participle of probāre “to examine, test”; prove

Example Sentences

It may be possible to seek the imposition of a constructive trust, file an equitable accounting claim, or reopen probate based on newly discovered evidence.

From MarketWatch

If this property is indeed still titled in your parents’ names, and was never actually deeded to the trust, it could still be a probate asset under the executor’s control.

From MarketWatch

Such a trust would help your family avoid probate after your mother is gone.

From MarketWatch

A trust, often used to avoid probate and delays settling the estate, is for more complicated estates.

From MarketWatch

It could also be expensive if your family has to hire a probate lawyer, and the whole process will be part of the public record.

From MarketWatch