probate court

noun

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

probate court

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate court¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died at age 57 without a will, leading to one of the largest and most complicated probate court proceedings in Minnesota history, as well as infighting among his six siblings during the protracted legal battle over his multimillion-dollar estate.

From Los Angeles Times

The appeals court on Wednesday upheld a prior ruling by a probate court that Katherine Jackson’s objections to the transaction do not hold water.

From Los Angeles Times

“The proposed transaction is consistent with the terms of Michael’s will as so interpreted, and thus the probate court did not abuse its discretion by granting the executors’ petition.”

From Los Angeles Times

On Aug. 14, he submitted a 14-page document to the Shelby County Probate Court, alleging the Tuohys tricked him into signing the conservatorship, which he thought was part of an adoption when they took him in.

From Los Angeles Times

In September, eight months after Ms. Presley’s death, Naussany Investments did file papers in probate court in California posting what it said was Ms. Presley’s debt from 2018.

From New York Times