In the event of your death, a direct distribution of a Traditional or Roth IRA is made to beneficiaries without being subject to probate.  If the primary beneficiary is your spouse, he/she has the option of assuming ownership of your IRA. In the event there are no beneficiaries on your IRA it will be subject to probate. It is important to be sure your beneficiaries are current so that funds will be paid out to the persons you want them to.