What is the process by which a deceased person's will is validated and their estate is administered?

The process by which a deceased person's will is validated and their estate is administered is known as probate. During probate, the court reviews the will to ensure it meets legal requirements, determines its validity, and oversees the distribution of the deceased's assets according to the provisions outlined in the will. This process involves identifying and valuing the estate's assets, paying any debts and taxes owed by the estate, and finally distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as specified in the will.

Probate is crucial because it provides a legal framework for handling the affairs of the deceased, ensuring that the wishes expressed in the will are honored and that the estate is settled fairly. It's also a means of protecting the rights of any potential heirs or creditors.

In contrast, the term "testamentary process" is not commonly used in legal terminology; it may refer broadly to the overall process involving a will, but does not specifically indicate the legal proceedings involved in validating a will and administering the estate. Other terms like "probation" and "inheritance management" do not accurately reflect this legal procedure, as "probation" pertains to criminal justice and "inheritance management" suggests a less formal and structured method of handling an estate without the judicial oversight that probate entails. Thus