Why must a will be probated?

A will must be probated to ensure that a deceased person's estate is dispensed of according to applicable laws and his wishes, according to Dummies.com. Probation is akin to a script that dictates which people or parties take priority.

Probation ensures that an estate pays debts and taxes before any inheritors receive their assets, says Dummies.com. The process also ensures that all property is accounted for; a representative takes a tally of the assets in an estate. Probation occurs whether or not a person has a will; if an estate is probated without a will, state laws govern who gets what.