What is the legal process that settles a decedent's estate called?

The legal process that settles a decedent's estate is known as probate. This process involves the validation of a deceased person's will, if one exists, and the orderly distribution of the deceased's assets according to the will or, in cases where there is no will, according to state laws. During probate, a court will oversee the entire process to ensure that debts are paid, assets are accounted for, and the remaining assets are distributed to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. This can include resolving any disputes that arise and ensuring compliance with local laws governing the estate.

In the context of the other options, intestate succession refers specifically to the distribution of an estate when someone dies without a will and follows state laws rather than a court process. Title transfer pertains to the reallocation of ownership of property, which can occur as part of the probate process but does not encompass all the legal steps involved. Estate planning refers to the preparation undertaken to arrange for the management and disposal of a person's estate during their life and after their death, which is distinct from the subsequent probate process that handles distribution after the decedent has passed.