Understanding Probate « »
WHY IS ESTATE ADMINISTRATION NECESSARY?
Estate administration is necessary to ensure that the debts of a decedent (i.e., the deceased person) are paid, that estate taxes (if any) are paid, and that a decedent’s remaining assets are distributed to his or her heirs and/or other beneficiaries. These three functions of the probate court essentially protect the public when a person dies by guaranteeing that proper safeguards are instituted, that proper procedures are followed and that proper distributions are made.