Probate is the judicial method for the distribution of assets of a decedent. Not all assets are distributed through probate after death. If assets are titled jointly with right of survivorship, then those assets are distributed outside probate.  Similarly, assets such as life insurance and retirement accounts are distributed in accordance with beneficiary designation forms and not through probate (assuming the decedent completely filled out the beneficiary designation forms).  Assets that are titled in a trust are also not distributed through probate.  The probate systems in the District of Columbia and in the State of Maryland are not particularly expensive, as compared to other states, and are usually efficient.  The person who is nominated by the court to manage the probate process is called a Personal Representative in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.  In other states, that person is called an “executor”.