What is probate?
The court process that settles a deceased person's estate. Probate filings are a strong signal that an inherited house may be sold.
Why it matters to an investor
Probate means a court is settling a dead person's estate. When a house is part of the estate, the heirs often prefer to sell rather than keep it.
How investors use it
- Find where your county's probate court publishes cases.
- Match cases to property by name and address.
- Be respectful; the family is grieving.
Questions
Is every inherited house in probate?
No. Many pass through deeds without a full court case.
Where are probate records?
In the county probate or surrogate court. Some publish an online index; others do not.
How we make these guides
Written by the LeadCounty editorial and data team from official county, court and state sources and our own weekly counts. We name the office behind every number, say what we cannot see, and fix mistakes when you tell us. See our editorial standards and methodology. General information, not legal or financial advice. Refreshed weekly.
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