The death of a relative can be a trying and challenging time for everyone involved. In addition to the emotional distress experienced by the surviving family, there is the matter of dividing the deceased’s material wealth and settling any debts he or she may have had. The term for this legal process is probate litigation.
While much of probate litigation involves settling disputes over the estate of the deceased and his or her will, the complete definition is broader than that. Probate litigation is a type of civil litigation that involves legal disputes including issues linked to aging, disability, and dying. In addition to settling disputes over the will probate litigation encompasses issues involving patient advocates, conservatorships, guardianships, and powers of attorney.