3. Probate the will

You might have to “probate” the will. This means that you prove to the court that the will is valid and that you as the estate trustee have the right to deal with the estate.

Not all wills have to be probated. If the estate is small and does not include any real property, the will itself may be enough. But you may have to probate if, for example:

• a bank or another financial institution requires probate to release money in the person’s bank account
• there is real property held by the person as sole owner or tenants-in-common that you need to sell
• family, relatives, or friends disagree about whether the will is valid

The question “I’ve been named an estate trustee in a will. How do I apply for a certificate of appointment?” has more information on what you need to do to probate the will.