Probate is primarily a process through which title is transferred from the name of the deceased to the names of the beneficiaries.
Certain types of assets are what is called “non-probate assets” do not go through probate. These include:
Property in which you own title as “joint tenants with right of survivorship”. Such property passes to the co-owners by operation of law and do not go through probate.
Retirement accounts such as IRA and 401(k) accounts where there are designated beneficiaries.
Life insurance policies.
Bank accounts with “pay on death” (POD) designations or “in trust for” designations.
Property owned by a living trust. Legal title to such property passes to successor trustees without having to go through probate.