PROBATE
If your loved one passed leaving a Will, then the Will may need to be filed with the Surrogate's Court before title can be transferred and the assets distributed to the heirs and legatees.  This procedure is what is known as probating a Will. Probate proceedings can be multifaceted and time consuming.    
   Step one is to find the original Will.
   Step two is to value the assets to determine if it's appropriate to seek a small estate proceeding.
   Step three is preparing to file a Petition For Letters Testamentary.
This petition must be filed along with the original Will for the Court to begin the procedure of appointing a representative, called an Executor.  The appointed executor (or executrix, if a woman) then organizes, manages and carries out the administering the estate.

Helpful Link:

Probate Proceeding Checklist