Probate is the official proving of a will as the authentic and valid last will and testament of a deceased person by admitting the document to record in the appropriate Clerk's Office. Probate of a decedent's estate should take place in the City or County where the deceased person resided at his death. If the decedent died in a nursing home or similar institution, then that person's residence is presumed to be where he or she resided prior to becoming a patient at such institution. It becomes necessary to probate an estate when the decedent owns assets (personal or real estate) solely in his name, i.e., assets that do not have a joint or co-owner with rights of survivorship.
To ensure quality assistance, please call and make an appointment with a Probate Clerk before coming in to probate an estate. Also, please complete the Application for Probate Appointment before making an appointment.