After someone passes away, the probate process occurs as a legal procedure. To ensure that their assets are distributed in accordance with their will (if they have one) or, if there is none, pursuant to state law. The process is outlined in a general manner:

1. The executor who is listed in the will files it with the probate court, along with a petition to open probate.
2. An executor/administrator is officially appointed by the court if the will names them. An administrator will be appointed by the court if there is no will.
3. The executor or administrator is responsible for identifying and valuing the deceased person's assets, which could include property, bank accounts, investments, and personal items.
4. It is necessary to notify creditors and heirs about the probate proceedings. This allows creditors to claim any debts owed against the estate.
5. In order to distribute the remaining assets, the executor settles any outstanding debts and pays applicable taxes.
6. Once all obligations are met, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries listed in the will, or as determined by state law if there is no will.
7. The probate process requires validation of the deceased's will as a procedure.
8. The debts of the deceased are settled as part of the probate process.
9. In the probate process, it is common to distribute probate assets to designated beneficiaries as one of the procedures.
10. Joint ownership of assets is not included in the probate process.