When an individual dies and leaves assets—such as bank accounts, real estate, and personal property—to distribute to his or her loved ones, the decedent’s will must go through the probate process. The estate of those who fail to leave a will (known as dying “intestate”) will also go through the probate process, only the state will determine how those assets will be distributed. If the decedent left a will, then he or she also probably named an executor to probate the will.