Probate is the legal proceeding where the court decides how an estate will be divided. The court will look to your Last Will and Testament in deciding how to distribute your property and will follow the will unless it is contested by your heirs.
Generally, if an estate includes real property or minor children, a formal probate action must be brought in the correct court. However, if the estate is of minimal value or consists solely of personal property, probate is not required in many states.