Informal probate is a process for settling an estate without going through the formal probate process. It is typically used when the deceased person's estate is relatively small and doesn't have a lot of complex assets, such as businesses or real estate. In an informal probate, the person who is responsible for administering the deceased person's estate (known as the personal representative) files a request with the court to open the probate process. The court reviews the request and, if it determines that the estate is eligible for informal probate, will appoint the personal representative and give them the authority to distribute the deceased person's assets according to the terms of their will. Informal probate is often a faster and less expensive way to settle an estate than formal probate.