Yes, it is possible to probate a will without hiring a lawyer. The process generally begins by petitioning the court to commence the probate process. This involves obtaining and filing the probate petition form, along with a certified copy of the death certificate, with the court. The court will then review the will to determine its validity and authenticity. If the will is deemed valid, the individual who petitioned the court will typically be appointed as the executor or personal representative of the estate.
Once appointed, the executor will need to create a detailed list of probate assets, collect any necessary documents, and wait for the required waiting period to elapse before proceeding with a simplified or bypassed probate process. This waiting period is usually 15-60 days, depending on the state's laws. During this time, the executor should collect all sensitive documents related to the estate. If the estate qualifies as a small estate under the state's laws, the executor may be able to complete the probate process without the need for extensive legal proceedings. However, if the estate contains unusual assets or is particularly large, it may be necessary to hire a lawyer to ensure that the probate process is carried out correctly.