What are examples of property which pass outside of the probate process?
Proceeds from insurance policies pass directly to the named beneficiaries (unless the policy names the estate as beneficiary) without being part of the probate process. Property held as joint tenants with right of survivorship or as Tenants by the Entireties will pass to the surviving joint owner. Property held as “payable on death” will pass to the designated beneficiaries. Assets that are held in a revocable or irrevocable trust will pass to the beneficiaries named under the trust instrument without going through probate (unless the trust terminates and provides the assets are to be distributed to the estate).
