Foundations of Navigating Probate

Probate is the legal process of administering an estate. Sound understanding rests on the purpose, structure, and role of executors. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the purpose and structure of probate, recognize the steps in a typical administration, identify the role of executors and other parties, and understand when alternatives to formal probate apply. What you will learn: - The purpose of probate and what the court actually supervises - The typical steps including opening, inventory, creditor handling, and distribution - The role of executors or personal representatives - The role of beneficiaries and how they interact with the process - The role of small estate procedures and summary administration - Common myths including timing and cost expectations - The signs that suggest consultation with a probate attorney The course uses readings, process summaries, case examples, and reflection prompts. Each module ends with applied exercises. The course is informational and does not substitute for licensed legal advice. This course is written for adults expecting to serve as executors or expecting to be beneficiaries. By the end you will have replaced confusion about probate with a structured understanding.