Definition of probate

[KJ1]

Michigan

If a "Settlement agreement and Mutual Release" is signed by all parties concerned in settling an estate, is that called "probate"?

The settlement papers have a heading that states: State of Michigan in the Probate Court for the county of *****

We never went to court to settle the estate, we didn't have a judge involved in signing the agreement papers. Would that still be considered going into "probate"...or did we avoid probate by signing an agreement? I have to answer a question if the estate has ever been probated, and I'm not sure what that implies.



Thank you!

 

[pojo2]

Was there a need for any further probate? Was there real estate/other property still in the name of the deceased only? Were all cash funds in accounts jointly owned by the deceased and the beneficiary? Did all retirement accounts clearly list a beneficiary? Same with life insurance policies? What about CD/Money Markets, stock accounts?

See the question is not so simple to answer without many other facts being known.

Curious, what does this mean

I have to answer a question if the estate has ever been probated, and I'm not sure what that implies.