Why Probate Usually Applies Most estates in Alabama go through probate unless the assets are set to transfer automatically, such as with certain life insurance policies or bank accounts naming a beneficiary. If the estate contains real property in Alabama, or if the decedent owned high-value items without a beneficiary designation, a probate filing is generally required. Alabama law ... https://rockpointprobate.com/alabama-probate-law-and-how-it-works/