What is the definition of probate estate?

A probate estate is the total of all assets owned by a person at the time of his death as stipulated in his will. A probate court must prove a will is genuine through a process called probate administration, as explained by For Dummies.

Through probate administration, the court validates the will, identifies the property of the deceased, arranges for property appraisal, pays outstanding debts and taxes, and distributes the rest of the property as the will stipulates. Probate estate encompasses the assets under the deceased’s name, insurance benefits, outstanding salaries, household items, and any share of property the decedent owned as part of a group, according to Nolo.