Probate refers to the court proceeding to determine if decedent left a validly executed will or whether he died intestate.

• A. A court proceeding to challenge a will after death.
• B. The process of distributing property during administration.
• C. A court proceeding to determine if a decedent left a valid will or died intestate.
• D. The appointment of guardians for minors.

Answer: (C)

Probate is the court process used to prove whether a decedent left a valid will and to determine whether the estate will be administered under a will or through intestacy if no valid will exists. This determination sets up how the decedent’s property will be handled—whether it passes according to the wishes stated in a will or, if there is no valid will, according to state intestacy laws. The option about challenging a will points to a specific action within probate rather than its overall purpose. The option about distributing property during administration describes what happens after probate has established the will or lack thereof. Guardianship for minors relates to a separate matter, not probate.