What does probate involve?

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's will is validated and their estate is administered according to the wishes expressed in that will. This includes examining the will to ensure its authenticity and then carrying out the instructions laid out in it regarding how the deceased's assets should be distributed among beneficiaries. The probate process also includes paying off any debts or taxes owed by the deceased before distributing any remaining assets, thus ensuring that the estate is settled in accordance with the law and the deceased's desires.

The other options, while related to aspects of estate management or legal processes concerning wills, do not accurately capture the essence of probate. For instance, creating a will after death is not feasible since a will is a document that must be established while the individual is alive and mentally competent. Determining asset valuation for tax purposes is a part of estate administration but does not encompass the entire probate process. Resolving disputes between family members may occur as a consequence of the probate process but is not the primary focus of probate itself.