When someone dies, probate proceedings are often necessary, whether they left a Will or not. Probate is the court-supervised process where notice is given to the deceased person's heirs and beneficiaries, creditors are paid, and property is disbursed. Probate is usually necessary because that's the process whereby someone (the "Personal Representative," or "Executor" as it used to be called) has the legal authority to manage the deceased person's assets and debts and can convey title to any real estate or other assets.
If you've been named Personal Representative in someone's Will and have questions about how the probate process works, give us a call at 253.858.5434 to make an appointment.