What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of validating a will, supervising the administration of a will, and making distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries. The probate process can be very complex, time consuming and costly. Court supervision is required before property will pass to your heirs. In the probate process, the court will designate an administrator of the estate who must closely follow probate procedures and deliberately and carefully account for and distribute assets. The administrator must value all assets, notify and pay creditors, and often become involved in disputes over the validity of meaning of a will.

Statewide Registry of Private Conservators, Guardians and Trustees

For additional information on probate matters, you may call the Napa Superior Court (Civil Division) at (707) 299-1130.