If a person dies owning assets in his or her name alone worth a total less than a certain amount established by state law, those assets can be distributed without going through probate. The threshold amount varies by state and can change each year, but it is generally from $20,000 to $200,000. Generally, the property can be distributed if the people entitled to it sign a document spelling out certain facts, and swear that the content is accurate. Then the document is delivered to the people or institutions holding the property, who are required to distribute the property as spelled out in the document.