What happens to a decedent’s Will after he/she dies?

The person appointed as Executor in the Will typically initiates the probate of the decedent’s estate shortly after learning of the death. Probate is the legal process that is typically required after the death of an individual. Probate is intended to serve several functions, including the authentication of a Last Will and Testament submitted on behalf of the decedent. If the Will is authenticated, the terms of that document will then be used to determine how the decedent’s estate assets are distributed.