The term probate refers to a legal process in which the validity and authenticity of a will are determined.
Probate also refers to the general administration of a deceased person's will or the estate of a deceased person without a will. After an asset-holder dies, the court appoints an executor named in the will or an administrator (if there is no will) to administer the process of probate.
This involves collecting the deceased's assets to pay any liabilities that remain on their estate and to distribute the assets to beneficiaries.