What does "probate" refer to?

Probate refers specifically to the legal process through which a deceased person's will is validated and executed by the court system. This process involves several steps, including the proving of the will's authenticity, the appointment of an executor, and the distribution of the deceased's assets according to the terms set forth in the will. During probate, the court oversees the administration of the estate, ensuring that debts and taxes are settled before any remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.

In contrast, other processes mentioned involve different legal actions. Creating a trust is a distinct legal process aimed at asset management during an individual's lifetime and potentially beyond, rather than dealing specifically with validating a will. Settling a trust's financial obligations pertains to the administration of a trust, which is separate from the probate process. Lastly, redistributing assets to beneficiaries can occur under both probate and trust administration but does not fully encompass the scope of what probate entails. Therefore, the focus on the execution and validation of a will makes the selected answer the most accurate definition of "probate."