If they don't have much then doesn't matter. Life insurance is paid directly so doesn't go through probate. Only things would be bank accounts, property and posessions. You can hire a probate lawyer to have them handle it. Only thing would be to have a will. Usually doesn't cost much for the lawyer. They can always setup an estate to get away from probate. But then again, depending on what they have, it might not even be worth the truble.