by Shalise Obray | May 5, 2026 | Ethics, Probate
The Challenge: Protecting Probate Without Limiting Access Every system needs safeguards against bad actors. Probate is no different. But in the effort to prevent abuse, there’s a growing risk of overcorrection—policies or practices that unintentionally make it harder...
by Shalise Obray | May 5, 2026 | Probate
Probate is the court-supervised legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death, including validating authority, paying approved obligations, and transferring assets to the legally entitled heirs. What probate does: Confirm whether a will is valid Appoint...
by Shalise Obray | May 5, 2026 | Access
The big idea: Probate only works if heirs are found. Many are not. Why it matters: When someone dies without a will, the court opens a case. But the people entitled to inherit are often distant, out of state, or overseas. They may never receive notice. What’s...
by Shalise Obray | Mar 2, 2026 | Access
The big idea: Access to the probate system is not equal. The heirs least likely to be found are the ones most affected when notice fails. Why it matters: Probate rules assume heirs will receive notice and know how to respond. Many do not. That gap quietly determines...
