Going through probate can be a complex legal process that can bring about emotions like grief, confusion, and concern about the future. Understanding the probate laws in your state is essential, as each have specific rules on how assets are distributed, debts are paid, and disputes are settled. In the absence of wills and trusts, the deceased has no influence over how their assets are distributed. Instead, the state has succession regulations that must be followed to guarantee that the estate’s assets are distributed “properly”. Probate is a lengthy process that no one should have to go through in their time of grief and there are ways to avoid it.