Probate is a court process where the assets of a deceased person are organized and distributed.  This process is simplified if the deceased person had a Will.  If there is no Will, then the government has laws determining who receives the assets.

Attorney’s fees are typically paid from estate assets so a retainer amount is not required.  However, the client is required to pay costs such as filing and publication fees as well as any other costs.

Besides handling the distribution of property of a deceased person, probate courts sometimes supervise the affairs of incapacitated people who are no longer able to manage their own affairs.  These proceedings are called Guardianships and Conservatorships.  A Guardian is someone authorized by the court to decide where an incapacitated person lives, makes medical decisions on his or her behalf and controls personal belongings.  A Conservator manages the assets of an incapacitated person.