probate court

American  

noun

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

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probate court Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of probate court

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

Your grandmother’s will should have been filed in probate court and can be examined for anything suspicious.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

If beneficiaries agree, you can ask probate court to alter or terminate the trust.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

In addition, the probate court would have the authority to temporarily bar your brother from taking any further actions that could continue to diminish the trust’s assets.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

The will is recorded in the probate court of Clarkamas County, Oregon, and explicitly directs what is to be done with the property.

From The Herriges Horror in Philadelphia A Full History of the Whole Affair. A Man Kept in a Dark Cage Like a Wild Beast for Twenty Years, As Alleged, in His Own Mother's and Brother's House by Anonymous