Probate refers to the series of legal procedures that the Surrogate's Court of your county follows to ensure that debts and expenses are paid at the time of one's death and assets are distributed to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries.

The executor of an estate hires an attorney to provide assistance in dealing with the Surrogate's Court and in carrying out the terms of the Will. The executor may hire any attorney. The attorney handling the estate administration does not have to be the attorney who prepared the Will.

Some of the steps to be taken include:

• Locate, collect, inventory and value assets of the estate
• Handle claims against the estate
• Pay debts and expenses
• Account for receipts and disbursements
• File any necessary tax returns
• Handle property outside of the state
• Distribute assets to the beneficiaries