Probate Court
Probate originally meant "relating to proof; afterwards, relating to the proof of wills." The proof before an ordinary, surrogate, register or other duly authorized person that a document produced before him for official recognition and registration, and alleged to be the last will and testament of a certain deceased person is such reality. (Black's Law Dictionary)
The Probate Court has had several relating definitions over the years: the Widows and Orphans Court; the Poor Court; and the Court of Protection. All of these terms fit the description of the Probate Court.
The Probate Court carries out the following procedures:
- Adoptions
- Guardianship of Minors
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
- Change of Names
- Estates
- Trusts
- Beginning Sept. 18, 1999 - Support of Enforcement
