probate court

noun

: a court that has jurisdiction chiefly over the probate of wills and administration of deceased persons' estates

Examples of probate court in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tatiana, 56, who stood to inherit half of his empire — valued at more than $100 million — ended up receiving substantial marital and business assets after his death, but there are still unresolved disputes in probate court over his estate, court records show. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 After Jerry’s death, the house was sold due to probate court, something Jenaca and her family had no control over. Ashley Vega, People.com, 3 June 2025 But defaulting to state laws involves rulings from probate courts, which handle legal decisions when someone dies. Tammy Lagorce, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Dying without a will can lead to a lengthy and expensive probate court process, during which funds are unavailable for funeral costs, medical bills and other essential expenses. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for probate court

Word History

First Known Use

1726, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probate court was in 1726

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probate court.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probate%20court. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

probate court

noun
: a court that probates wills and administers estates of deceased persons

Legal Definition

probate court

noun
: a court that has jurisdiction over the probate of wills and administration of estates and sometimes over the affairs of minors and persons adjudged incompetent compare orphans' court
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