Probate is the legal process that takes place after a person dies in order to settle such person’s affairs and distribute such person’s property. If the decedent has a Will, the decedent’s property is distributed pursuant to the terms of the Will (except to the extent that the surviving spouse or children may be granted rights under Massachusetts’ law). If the decedent does not have a Will, the decedent’s property is distributed pursuant to rules set forth under the Massachusetts Probate Code.