What is the process that involves the compliance with legal protocols after someone dies?

The process that involves compliance with legal protocols after someone dies is known as probate. This procedure is essential because it ensures that the deceased person's wishes, as outlined in their will, are followed and that their assets are distributed according to the law. During probate, the validity of the will is established in court, and the executor is authorized to manage the estate, which includes paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

Probate also serves to provide a clear legal framework for dealing with the deceased's estate, offering protection to the heirs and creditors alike. This process can vary based on jurisdiction and might involve court hearings, notices to creditors, and various administrative steps to settle the estate properly.

In contrast, testamentary procedures generally refer to the overall process involving a will, which includes probate but isn't limited to the legal steps taken after death. A writ of execution pertains to enforcement of a judgment in a civil case, and estate closure is a term that may refer to the completion of the estate management process but does not encapsulate the full legal compliance required post-death. Therefore, probate accurately encompasses the legal protocols necessary following a person's death.