The vast majority of estates go through informal probate. File for appointment of personal representative. Personal representative prepares an inventory and appraisal of property and credits. Personal representative gives notice to creditors. Personal representative approves and pays claims against the estate.
Personal representative distributes the assets.
Personal representative closes the estate. Formal Probate Formal probate occurs only in a small percentage of cases. It is only necessary when there is a conflict regarding the validity of the will, the appointment of the personal representative, or if some of the heirs cannot be located. It is overseen by a probate judge and is more expensive and time-consuming than the other forms of probate. Cost Costs are not generally as high as most peoples imagine, unless an estate goes through formal probate.