If you are worried about the complexity, stress, and expense of dealing with probate those who have recently lost a loved one can likely breathe a sigh of relief. There is a good chance that your loved one’s estate may not require formal probate proceedings. The full probate process is reserved for estates in which there are competing claims, unresolved creditor claims, or questions for how to allocate limited funds while honoring the decedent’s wishes to the extent possible. Many families can avoid probate procedures or benefit from expedited procedures.