The probate process commences when a petition and original last will and testament are submitted to the Surrogate’s Court in the county where the decedent was domiciled at the time of death. The petition provides the court with the necessary information to move forward with validating the will and appointing the executor. The petition informs the court about the decedent’s death, the executor, the beneficiaries named in the will (as well as heirs who would inherit if there was not a will – if different) and the estimated value of property and assets passing under the will.