1. Appointment of Executor or Personal Representative
The court designates an executor or personal representative to oversee the estate of the deceased individual. This appointed person is tasked with collecting the deceased person's assets, settling debts and taxes, and allocating the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.
2. Validation of the Will
3. Inventory of Assets
4. Notification of Creditors
The executor or personal representative informs creditors and other relevant parties about the individual's passing and the beginning of probate procedures. Creditors are given a set period to file claims for any debts owed to them from the estate.
5. Payment of Debts and Taxes
The executor or personal representative utilizes the estate's assets to settle any unpaid debts, taxes, or administrative costs. This process may include selling assets, liquidating investments, or utilizing cash reserves from the estate.
6. Distribution of Assets
After settling all debts and expenses, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries based on the will's terms or the laws of intestacy. The court supervises this procedure to guarantee compliance with both the law and the deceased individual's desires.