Not always. Probate is a court process confirming a will’s validity, but it is only required in certain situations:

• If the estate includes significant assets such as real property or shares, or
• If banks or other asset holders request it before releasing funds.
  Smaller estates or those with jointly held assets may not need probate. A lawyer can advise whether probate is needed in your situation.

Probate is not always required. Probate is a court process that validates a Will, but is only necessary in certain situations. If the estate holds significant assets such as property or shares, or if banks or other asset holders request it in order to release funds.