When a loved one passes away, his or her estate often goes through a court-managed process called probate. Regardless of whether an individual dies with a will (testate) or without a will (intestate) a probate may be necessary. In Oklahoma, if a deceased individually owns real property (surface or minerals) or his/her estate exceeds $50,000, then a probate is generally necessary. Certain estate planning methods may allow one to avoid probate. It is our goal to avoid probate when possible. The amount of time to probate an estate varies, but typically takes a minimum of four months.