05/29/2026
Many people don’t realize that not all assets are handled the same way after someone passes away. In many situations, certain assets typically go through probate before they can be transferred to heirs.
Assets that are owned solely in an individual’s name often require probate. This may include real estate owned by one person, bank accounts that do not have payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations, personal property such as vehicles, jewelry, furniture, and other belongings, as well as ownership interests in a privately held business.
Probate provides legal oversight to ensure these assets are transferred according to the law. While the process works well for many families, whether probate is required often comes down to how assets are owned, titled, and designated during life.
Understanding which assets typically go through probate helps families know what to expect and plan with greater clarity long before decisions become urgent.
