Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. Some assets can avoid probate and be distributed directly to the beneficiaries without going through the probate process. These assets include:

  1. Jointly owned property (with right of survivorship)
  2. Payable-on-death bank accounts
  3. Transfer-on-death securities accounts
  4. Life insurance policies with named beneficiaries
  5. Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) with named beneficiaries
  6. Trusts

It is important to note that the laws regarding probate and the assets that can avoid it vary by state and country, so it’s always best to consult with a legal or financial professional for specific guidance.