What is the probate procedure for small estates?

Just about every state has a special simpler probate procedure for smaller estates. The rules for these procedures differ from state to state. In Massachusetts, for example the procedure where there is a will and the probate assets not including the value of a car do not exceed fifteen thousand dollars is called a "Voluntary Executorship"; where there is no will the procedure is called "Voluntary Administration." These procedures are very quick and economical ways to probate qualifying estates which can, in instances where living trusts have been effectively used, include estates with substantially more assets than the fifteen thousand probate asset limit.