Inside a Probate Court Hearing: What Heirs & Executors Should Expect

Court dockets can run 40 or 50 cases in a single morning. Judges usually skim—rather than study—each petition looking for three things: jurisdiction, notice, and math. Jurisdiction verifies that the decedent was a resident or owned property in the county. Notice confirms every interested party received proper service and had time to object. Math ensures the inventory balances and creditor claims line up with available assets.