PROBATE

The law firm of Cohen & Burnett advises on wills that go to probate, maintains contact with the courts during the probate period, and acts as representatives in trust and estate litigation. 

The probate estate is the total amount of property owned by the decedent in his or her own name at his or her death, or payable to his or her estate. If there is a will, the probate court will determine if the will is valid and then oversee the administration of the estate by the executor (the person appointed in the will by the decedent to oversee the estate). If there is no will or the will is determined to be invalid, the probate court will appoint an administrator and the decedent's property will be distributed according to the state's laws of intestate succession.