The process of filing and proving the will following death is called what?

The process of filing and proving a will after someone's death is referred to as probate. Probate is a legal procedure conducted in a court that involves validating the deceased individual's will and overseeing the distribution of their estate according to the terms set forth in that will. This process ensures that the deceased's wishes are honored and provides a formal way to settle any debts or claims against the estate, as well as to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritances.

Probate is crucial because it provides an avenue for handling potential disputes over the validity of the will and ensures that all legal obligations are met before the distribution of assets. During this process, the court also appoints an executor or personal representative who will be responsible for managing the estate as outlined in the will.

The other terms do not specifically relate to the legal procedure of validating a will. Executorship refers to the role of the executor managing the estate, custody typically concerns holding or safeguarding property, and settlement usually implies the final resolution of an estate or claim without necessarily involving the formal proving of a will. Thus, the term that accurately describes the legal process of filing and proving a will after death is probate.