Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. The purpose of probate is to ensure that the deceased person's assets are distributed to their heirs according to the terms of their will or, if they died without a will, according to the laws of their state.

During the probate process, a court-appointed personal representative is responsible for gathering the deceased person's assets, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs.

The probate process can be a time-consuming and expensive process, and it can also be emotionally draining for the deceased person's loved ones. In some cases, the probate process can be avoided through the use of trusts, joint ownership of assets, or other estate planning techniques.

If you have been named as the executor of an estate or if you are an heir to an estate, it's important to understand the probate process and what your rights and responsibilities are. You may also want to consult with a probate attorney who can guide you through the process and help ensure that the estate is handled correctly.