A simplifed version of <a href="/glossary/probate">Probate</a>, only allowed for <a href="glossary/estate">Estates</a> considered "small" by state law. 

However, the term "small" varies between states; each calculates the size of an <a href="/glossary/estate">Estate</a> differently, and sets different limits for what is considered "small." 

In some cases, it may be the preferred process to save time and money.

Also known as <a href="/glossary/small-estate-probate">Small Estate Probate</a>.

A legal document that states a person owns a right to something. 

Typically, this refers to real estate, and the Title refers to ownership of the property. 

This is in contrast to a <a href="/glossary/deed">Deed</a>, which is a legal document that transfers a Title from one person to another.

In order to [Settle an Estate](/glossary/settle-the-estate), a number of administrative and legal tasks must first be completed.

A legally assigned person, authorized by state law, or the deceased’s [Last Will and Testament](/glossary/last-will-and-testament), will officially manage this process. They are known as the [Administrator](/glossary/administrator) or [Executor](/glossary/executor). 

![Exclamation_Icon.svg](https://res.cloudinary.com/funeralchecklist/image/upload/v1651602606/Exclamation_Icon_a345755770.svg)**Important**
Only after the executor or administrator completes initial tasks can final [Debts](/glossary/assets) be paid and [Assets](/glossary/assets) distributed to the deceased’s [Surviving Family](/glossary/surviving-family), [Heirs](/glossary/heir), and [Beneficiaries](/glossary/beneficiaries). 

This is process is known as [Probate](/glossary/probate), and to get started, first review the deceased’s Will, or assess state law in the absence of one. 

Start the probate process without a will

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