What happened to your ancestor’s property after they died? Though not everyone wrote a will or owned land, most people left something behind. Probate is the process of settling an estate by distributing property, paying debts, and appointing a guardian for minor children. This class will introduce the types of records created during the probate process, the information they contain, and how to find them. | FamilySearch Library

What Is Probate & Why Should You Know About It? Probate is a court-supervised process that takes place after someone passes away to handle their estate—this can include real estate, bank accounts, and other assets. Through probate, the court:�• Confirms the validity of a will (if one exists)�• Takes inventory and assigns value to assets�• Settles outstanding debts and taxes�• Distributes remaining assets to heirs If there’s no will, state law determines who receives what. Simply put:�Probate mea