Probate is a form of court proceeding that Massachusetts requires in order to determine legally who is entitled to inherit your property. The reason behind it is to show that the deceased will is valid and executed in accordance with the laws of Massachusetts.
Once it is declared valid by the Probate Court, the court will appoint an Executor and issue something called a Certificate of Appointment to the Executor or Personal Representative.
The Executor or Personal Representative can then use the Certificate of Appointment to look at the deceased assets.
