The act or process of proving a will. 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 in reality. The copy of the will, made out In parchment or due form, under the seal of the … [Read more...]

A designated court where cases concerning the distribution of the estate of deceased persons are heard. May also be called surrogate court in other states, such as New York. This specialized court routinely examines issues of will authenticity, estates of persons who die intestate or without a will and apply state law in such cases, oversees the procedures for the estate to pay … [Read more...]

The proof before an officer appointed by law, that an instrument offered to be recorded is the act of the person whose last will and testament it purports to be. Upon proof being so made and security being given when the laws of the state require such security, the officer grants to the executors or administrators cum testamento annexo, when there been adopted, but provision is … [Read more...]

Latin: Proof; more particularly direct, as distinguished from indirect or circumstantial' evidence. Probatio mortua. Dead proof; that is proof by inanimate objects, such as deeds or other written evidence. Probatio plena. In the civil law. Full proof; proof by two witnesses, or a public instrument Haflifax, Civil Law, b. 3, c. 9, no. 25; 3 Bl. Comm. 370. Probatio semi-plena. In … [Read more...]

A judge who sits on the bench temporarily in place of an absent judge. … [Read more...]