At the death of a loved one, there may be a need to probate assets, depending on how the assets were owned. Probate is the process by which assets which were owned solely by the decedent are transferred to others.

While every probate matter is unique, most include the following steps:

• Filing of an application or petition with the probate court
• Informing the heirs named in the Will or the statutory heirs (if no Will exists)
• Identifying and valuing the estate assets
• Notifying creditors
• Paying creditor claims
• Managing the estate assets
• Working with an accountant regarding income and estate taxes
• Preparing an annual accounting
• Making the final distribution of assets and closing the estate