Probate is a legal process that occurs after someone dies. It involves the administration of the deceased person's estate, which includes their assets, debts, and possessions. The primary objectives of probate are to:

1. Authenticate the Will: If the deceased person had a will, probate verifies its authenticity and validity. This involves presenting the will to the court and proving that it was executed according to legal requirements.

2. Appoint an Executor or Personal Representative: The court appoints an executor or personal representative (sometimes called an administrator) to manage the estate. This individual is responsible for carrying out the terms of the will (if there is one) or distributing the assets according to state law if there is no will.

3. Identify and Inventory Assets: The executor identifies and takes inventory of all assets owned by the deceased person. This includes real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, and other property.

4. Pay Debts and Taxes: The executor uses the assets from the estate to pay off any outstanding debts, taxes, or expenses owed by the deceased person. This typically involves notifying creditors and settling claims against the estate.

5. Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries: Once debts and taxes are paid, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries named in the will or, if there is no will, according to state intestacy laws.

6. Finalize Probate Proceedings: After all assets are distributed and debts are settled, the probate process concludes with a final accounting to the court. Once approved, the court issues an order officially closing the probate proceedings.

Probate laws and procedures can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, so the exact process may differ depending on the state or country where the deceased person lived. While probate serves an essential role in ensuring the orderly transfer of assets after death, it can also be time-consuming, expensive, and subject to potential disputes. As a result, some individuals use estate planning strategies such as trusts to avoid or minimize the probate process and streamline the transfer of assets to their heirs.