Under what circumstance does probate usually occur?

Probate typically occurs when an owner dies intestate, which means they have died without a valid will. This legal process is necessary to ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed according to state laws rather than the decedent's wishes, which would normally be outlined in a will. During probate, the court assesses the value of the estate, pays off debts and taxes, and ultimately determines the rightful beneficiaries as per the laws of intestacy.

The other options, while pertaining to different legal or real estate activities, do not relate to the probate process. Selling a property, breaching a contract, or defaulting on a loan are actions that involve other legal and financial considerations but do not trigger the probate process associated with managing a deceased individual's estate.