The short answer is usually, but not always. The larger your estate, the more likely you are to have to go through probate - particularly if you own real estate in North Dakota.
Probate usually happens when:
- The will wasn't written well
- The assets are complex and high value
- The proper heir is debated
- There are disputes over how to divide certain assets
- The heir or beneficiary is still a minor
- Real estate is involved