24. What do I need to start a probate case?

You will need to file a Petition for Probate and pay the filing fees. There are specific forms that can be used for various probateThe legal proceeding by which a decedent’s testamentary document, such as a will, is proven to be valid, and the subsequent procedure of administering the decedent’s estate. petitions, including a Petition for Probate. If there is an original willA legal document which expresses a person’s final wishes about what happens to their property after they pass away, often specifically identifying intended beneficiaries for specific items of property., it should also be submitted to the probate court.