Probate is the legal process of certifying a valid will as the last will of the deceased, and the appointment of an executor. Probate is required in most circumstances, where a deceased person died leaving assets. For some small estates, if all assets were owned jointly with another person, or there are no estate assets, probate may not be required. If you do not have a valid will, then instead of probate, someone will need to apply for letters of administration instead.