However, the superior court department that hears probate matters is often called probate court. In probate terminology, an estate is simply the assets and liabilities left by the person who died. Administration of the estate refers to the accumulation of the decedent's property, the payments of his or her debts and taxes, and the distribution of property to the decedent's family or other beneficiaries. Probate court also handles conservatorship proceedings, which usually involve elderly people who cannot handle their own affairs. These courts also handle limited conservatorships concerning developmentally disabled adults.
Probate courts handle most guardianships proceedings involving minor children.
However, occasionally such cases may be heard in a superior court's family law department or dependency court department. For more information on family court guardianships and adoptions, click here. Wills A will provides a way to make sure that a person's property goes to certain people or organizations when that person dies. Family members, friends or organizations who will inherit the estate. An estate includes furniture, jewelry, stocks, bank accounts, cars, a business, real estate or anything else the decedent owned.