Probate Glossary
Petition
A formal request filed with the probate court.
Definition
A petition is a written request asking the probate court to take a specific action, such as opening an estate, appointing a Personal Representative, approving a sale, resolving a dispute, or closing an estate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does probate require court approval for everything?
Not always. Some actions may be handled by the Personal Representative without specific court approval, while others may require notice, consent, a petition, or a court order depending on the jurisdiction and estate circumstances.
What is a probate petition?
A probate petition is a court filing asking the probate court to take action, such as opening an estate, appointing a Personal Representative, admitting a will, or approving an estate matter.
What documents are usually needed to start probate?
Common starting documents may include a death certificate, the original will if one exists, a petition to open probate, information about heirs or beneficiaries, and basic information about estate assets.