What is the legal term for the process of proving a will is valid in court?

The legal term for the process of proving a will is valid in court is "probate." When a will goes through probate, the court reviews the document to ensure it meets the necessary legal requirements for validity, such as being properly signed and witnessed according to state laws. This process also helps settle claims against the estate, appoints an executor, and ensures the deceased's wishes are honored in the distribution of their assets.

Other options like estate planning refer to the process of arranging for the management and disposal of a person's estate during their life and after death, which does not specifically involve the court's validation of a will. Guardianship involves the legal process by which a person is appointed to take care of another individual, typically a minor or someone unable to care for themselves, rather than dealing with wills or estate distribution. Inheritance pertains to the assets that are passed on according to a will or by law, but it does not encompass the legal process of validating a will itself. Hence, probate is specifically the term that accurately describes the court’s role in confirming the authenticity and legality of a will.