Assets that pass pursuant to a Will always have to go through Probate Court.  Probate is the legal process that gives recognition to a Will, appoints a personal representative (executor) and orders the distribution/division of a deceased person's assets according to their Will or per state law if they don't have a Will.  The purpose of Probate Court is to formally pass title of property from the deceased person to their beneficiaries/relatives that they leave behind.