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 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

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

When a person passes away, the probate court in their state will work with the estate executor to determine which estate debts should be paid first.

From Encyclopedia.com

The probate court will either review your will or, if there is no will, start assigning an executor and dividing up your assets.

From Encyclopedia.com

A trust is convenient because it does not have to go through a probate court after a person passes on.

From Encyclopedia.com