What is Probate?

Generally speaking, probate is a service the Court offers to confirm the validity of the will of a person who has died.

An executor’s job is to present the person’s last will to asset holders—banks, insurance companies, investment companies—and to collect in the assets.
How do the institutions know for sure that the document being presented is the genuine last will of their account holder? And how does the executor know for sure that the document in their hand is the last will that was made by the person who died?

Through probate, the Court confirms the validity of the last will of a person who has died. Once a will has been probated, everyone can rely on its authenticity.

How Do I Get Probate?
Probate applications are made to the Court. Application forms are available from the Queen’s Printer or from most Court houses. You can apply for probate on your own, or you can hire a lawyer to help you.

<< back to FAQ