Who is the owner of probate property?

The owner of probate property is the deceased person. During the probate process, the estate of the deceased is managed, but the property itself is still considered to belong to the deceased until their estate has been settled. The purpose of probate is to ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed according to their will or, if there is no will, in accordance with state succession laws. The executor of the estate, while tasked with managing the probate process and handling the deceased's affairs, does not own the property; they act as an agent for the estate. Similarly, while the state may have a role in overseeing the probate process and ensuring that legal requirements are met, it does not hold ownership of the deceased's property. The closest living relative may inherit property, but until the estate is fully administered, the right of ownership still resides with the deceased.