What type of proceedings do probate courts handle?

Probate courts specifically handle matters related to the distribution of a deceased person's estate, which includes the validation of wills, the appointment of executors or administrators, and the resolution of any disputes regarding the decedent's assets and obligations. These proceedings ensure that the deceased's wishes are followed concerning their property after their death, whether it be through a will or, in the absence of one, according to state intestacy laws.

The focus of probate courts is on individual estates, and they play a crucial role in ensuring that the transition of assets is handled legally and efficiently, which distinguishes them from other types of courts. This is why option B accurately identifies the primary function of probate courts. Other options pertain to entirely different legal matters: criminal cases focus on violations of the law by individuals or organizations, business disputes involve corporate or commercial conflicts, and federal claims against state governments deal with constitutional issues often involving sovereign immunity.