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Probate of Estates
When a person dies, his or her estate must go through probate, which is a process overseen by a probate court. If the decedent leaves a will directing how his or her property should be distributed after death, the probate court must determine if it should be admitted to probate and given legal effect. If the decedent dies intestate—without leaving a will—the court appoints a Personal Representative to distribute the decedent's property according to the laws of decent and distribution.
In general, the probate process involves collecting the deceased's assets, paying the debts of the deceased, paying any taxes that might be due, and distributing property to heirs.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Guardianship and conservatorship is the legal proceeding in which a person, called the “Guardian” or “Conservator,” is appointed to exercise some or all of the legal rights of an incapacitated person, called the “Ward.”
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