When a person dies, there needs to be an orderly process available to make sure the person’s last bills are paid, their assets are all located and accounted for and their final wishes, as expressed in a Last Will and Testament, or Living Trust, are carried out. This is the purpose of estate administration.  Probate is often times thought to be a long, lengthy and expensive process during which the beneficiaries have to wait to get their money.  This is not true in Connecticut where I have found probate to be informal and inexpensive.  The expense part of the equation usually come into play if the executor does not perform their duties timely and diligently, if the family is dysfunctional and fights over everything, or if the Will is ambiguous or poorly drafted and clarification as to the decedent's intent is required.