In the context of Ontario Estates Law, what does "probate" refer to?

In Ontario Estates Law, "probate" refers specifically to the legal process through which a deceased person's will is validated. This process involves an application to the court for the issuance of a grant of probate, which is an official recognition that the will is valid and that it can be administered as per the deceased's wishes.

The successful grant of probate gives the executor the authority to carry out the instructions specified in the will, manage the assets, and distribute them among the beneficiaries. This legal validation is a crucial step in ensuring that the estate is handled according to the deceased's instructions while providing legal protection for the executor against any potential disputes regarding the will's validity.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts within estate law. For instance, a hearing to contest the validity of a will involves disputes that may arise but does not encapsulate the definition of probate itself. Considering taxes or power of attorney documents also deviates from the essential nature of probate, as they relate to other aspects of estate planning and administration.