What is the name for the process of proving a will's validity in court?

The process of proving a will's validity in court is known as probate. During this legal process, the court examines the will to ensure it meets all necessary requirements for validity, such as being properly signed and witnessed, and confirms that the decedent's intentions as expressed in the will are to be honored. Once probate is granted, the executor is given authority to administer the estate according to the terms of the will, handle debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.

This process is essential because it provides legal recognition to the will and helps prevent potential disputes among heirs or other interested parties. In essence, probate serves as a mechanism to facilitate the orderly transfer of an individual's assets after death in accordance with their wishes.

Other terms listed such as certification, execution, and validation, while related to estate processes, do not accurately describe the act of formally establishing the legitimacy of a will in a court setting. Thus, probate is the only term that directly corresponds to this particular legal procedure.