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

If the new house is titled jointly with right of survivorship, it would likely pass directly to you, the surviving spouse, and avoid probate.

From MarketWatch

You should consult a probate or estate litigation attorney, because recovery of assets is primarily a civil matter.

From MarketWatch

Your brother should know that Medicaid estate recovery is a federal mandate requiring states to seek reimbursement for long-term-care services from the estates of deceased recipients, focusing on your brother’s home and other probate assets.

From MarketWatch

Most of my friends have never had to write an obituary, or file a life insurance claim, or deal with probate court.

From Salon

To apply to be a conservator, you need to file a petition with the probate court in the county where he lives.

From MarketWatch