What surrogate court procedure proves a will is valid?

• A. Probate
• B. Replevin
• C. Stay
• D. Subpoena

Answer: (A)

Probate is the process in which the surrogate's court reviews a deceased person’s will to determine its validity and to authorize the executor to administer the estate. This procedure confirms that the will was properly executed (signed and witnessed according to law), that the testator had testamentary capacity, and that the document truly reflects the decedent’s wishes. Once the will is admitted to probate, the court issues letters testamentary to empower the executor to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries. Replevin, stay, and subpoena involve different legal actions—replevin is about recovering property, a stay delays proceedings, and a subpoena compels appearance or production of evidence—whereas probate is the surrogate court process that validates a will.