People still need to plan their estate, to make sure their property goes to the persons they want it to go to, and to avoid probate on succession to their property.

FORBES: Where Have All the Estate Planning Lawyers Gone?

Jointly owned assets generally pass on to the joint owner without going through probate, but for assets without a joint owner or designated beneficiary, you may have to change the way the assets are held in order to avoid probate.

FORBES: 5 Non-Romantic But Vital Things to Do This Valentine's Day

Whether probate is costly or burdensome will depend on the state.

FORBES: Joe Paterno's Family Gives Up Trying To Keep His Will Secret

Moreover, insurance policies and IRAs made payable to specific beneficiaries (as opposed to your estate) and bank or investment accounts made payable on death aren't part of your court administered "probate" estate.

FORBES: Estate Repair

The probate court documents, reviewed by The Associated Press on Wednesday, shed no light on the circumstances of Khan's death, but they do add a layer of drama to an already baffling case.

NPR: Documents Show Battle Over Lottery Winner's Estate

Some states mandate tedious inventory and accounting rules for probate, while others allow the beneficiaries to simply sign off on the executor's proposed distribution.

FORBES: Do You Need a Living Trust?

After The Monkees frontman, Davy Jones, died of a heart attack at age 66 on February 29, 2012, his family took the very unusual step of having his will and related probate court documents sealed perhaps to shield family disharmony from public view.

FORBES: Monkey Business Surrounding Davy Jones Estate