probate

[ proh-beyt ]

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.

adjective

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

verb (used with object)

, pro·bat·ed, pro·bat·ing.

1. to establish the authenticity or validity of (a will).
2. Law. to put (an offender) on probation.

probate

/ -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

   a probate court

   probate value

verb

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

Other Words From

• un·probat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of probate¹

C15: from Latin probāre to inspect

Example Sentences

The most appealing part about this is that with these designations you can circumvent the often lengthy and cumbersome probate process.

From Salon

Often homes become empty when the owners pass away, leading to a long administrative process known as probate, when their assets are divided up.

From BBC

Such accounts avoid probate, the court process that otherwise follows death, so there’s no mechanism to withhold money that might be needed to pay final expenses or other bills.

From Los Angeles Times

Answer: Both living trusts and payable on death accounts avoid probate, the court process that otherwise typically follows death.

From Los Angeles Times

The probate commissioner overseeing the case will submit his recommendation to a local judge.

From BBC