No. Most states allow a certain amount of property to pass free of probate or through a simplified probate procedure. In California, for example, you can pass up to $100,000 of property without probate, and there's a simple transfer procedure for any property left to a surviving spouse.
In addition, property that passes outside of your will -- say, through joint tenancy or a living trust -- is not subject to probate. For a discussion of the most popular probate-avoidance methods, see Nolo's article How to Avoid Probate.
Nolo Can Help You Avoid Probate | ||
| Explore your options, make a probate-avoidance living trust, or get help from a lawyer | ||
 Nolo's Online Will | Even if you use other techniques to avoid probate, you still need a valid will. Here you'll get guidance at each step, as well as detailed instructions on signing and storing your will. Start creating your will now. | |
| Nolo's Online Living Trust | We'll take you through a step-by-step interview, asking all necessary questions and explaining legal issues along the way. Start creating your living trust now. | |
 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, by Mary Randolph | A complete rundown of your probate-avoidance options, with state-by-state information about your options. Buy the book. | |
 Talk to a Lawyer | If you have questions about your situation or a thorny estate planning issue, get advice from an estate planning lawyer. | |
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