Thus, when a federal estate tax return is due, the estate is unlikely to be concluded in its entirety prior to the nine-month deadline. Probate proceedings, whether affidavit probate, summary probate or formal probate, must be brought in the correct court. In some situations, however, the decision is not as apparent. Two issues are involved. Once you have determined the county where the courts can handle the matter, you must determine the specific court within that county that handles probate matters.
Most counties have many different courts.
One will handle traffic tickets and other minor matters. Another may handle small claims. One will handle matters relating to wills, probate and related issues. Look up the court telephone numbers in the local telephone book, or call a main telephone number for the court system. It should be relatively easy to find the appropriate court.