What type of jurisdiction does a Probate Court have?

Probate Courts are specialized courts that primarily deal with matters related to the administration of estates, including the distribution of a deceased person's assets, will validations, and the appointment of guardians for minors or incapacitated individuals. The primary function of a Probate Court is to oversee and ensure the lawful and fair distribution of an individual’s estate following their death, as well as to handle the affairs of those who are unable to manage their own, such as minors or those with mental incapacities.

Civil jurisdiction is the appropriate classification for the jurisdiction of a Probate Court because it encompasses non-criminal matters, specifically those related to individuals’ rights and responsibilities regarding property and family law. The decisions made in Probate Court typically involve disputes over wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship, which fall firmly within civil law rather than criminal or military jurisdictions. Inheritance jurisdiction is a term that might seem relevant, but it is not a formal designation of jurisdiction in the legal system; it does describe the types of cases handled within civil jurisdiction in a probate context. Therefore, affirming that Probate Courts operate under civil jurisdiction aligns with their responsibilities and the nature of the cases they adjudicate.