Which term describes a legally recognized process for the disposition of a deceased's estate?

The term that describes a legally recognized process for the disposition of a deceased's estate is probate. Probate is the judicial process through which a deceased person's will is validated, and their assets are distributed according to that will or, in the absence of a will, according to state law. This process typically involves proving the will's validity, administering the decedent's estate, and settling any debts or claims against it.

Probate ensures that the estate’s distribution adheres to legal standards and offers a mechanism for resolving disputes that might arise among heirs or beneficiaries. It is a critical step in managing the affairs of someone who has passed away to ensure their wishes are honored and any outstanding obligations are met.

Other terms like intestate refer specifically to the situation occurring when a person dies without a valid will, which would then lead to a different set of legal processes for estate distribution, not directly to the disposition itself. Succession generally refers to the transfer of rights or obligations from one entity to another but isn't specifically tied to the process of managing a deceased person's estate. Testamentary pertains to matters related to a will and its provisions but does not denote the entire legal process of administering an estate.