Probate. When a person dies all of their property goes into a probate proceeding. Probate itemizes all the assets of the decedent, resolves all the debts; pays the taxes and distributes the assets. These functions are handled by the executor of the will, who is usually named in the will and confirmed by the court.
The DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT (DOMA) is a Federal law enacted on September 21, 1996 by then President Bill Clinton. The law essentially leaves it up to the States to decide whether to recognize a same-sex marriage performed in another State that permits such actions.
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Definition from Noloâs Plain-English Law Dictionary. So-called Defense of Marriage laws define marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman, for the purpose of excluding same-sex couples from the institution of marriage. The federal DOMA prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex legal relationships entered into in one of the states that recognize same-sex unions.