Administers the probate estate of a deceased person. Determines the value of the estate's assets and then distributes to persons entitled to them by will or law. Processes applications regarding estates and trusts. The purpose of a probate estate is to protect and conserve assets, provide for the payment of outstanding debts and taxes, and distribution of assets to persons entitled to them by will or law. Estates with and without wills are probated. In some circumstances, probate is not needed, such as with survivorship tenancy and joint and survivorship property. Administers trusts in wills only, not living trusts.