What is the first step after a testator's death?

The correct first step after a testator's death is filing the will with the probate court. This action initiates the legal process of probate, which is essential for validating the will and providing the authority for an executor to manage the estate according to the testator's wishes. Filing the will formally allows the court to oversee the distribution of the decedent's assets and ensures that the procedures set forth by law are followed.

Notifying the beneficiaries typically occurs after the will is filed, as the executor needs to inform them about their interests in the estate once the probate process is underway. Reading the will to the family, while often a traditional step, is not a legal requirement and may vary based on family dynamics and communication preferences. Property appraisal is also conducted later in the probate process to determine the value of the estate, but it follows the initial filing of the will as the estate is administered. Thus, the correct sequence of events places the filing of the will as the primary and vital first step in managing the estate post-death.