Donna, The definition of "probate" is roughly to prove before a court that the last will and testament of a DECEASED person is the genuine article..so they have to be dead before any will is probated.... and about the pounds to dollars, you would have to know an exchange rate for in the 1700's and I have no idea, perhaps someone else in the List is better versed on that than I am! :-) >Hey everyone, >I have a question that I need answered please. When you have a will that >is probated in court, is the person still alive when a will is probated >or have they most likely already died? >Thanks, Donna