Probate assets are those that go through the probate process, which involves court supervision to validate the deceased's will and distribute the assets, often resulting in delays and public disclosure. In contrast, non-probate assets bypass the probate process and transfer directly to beneficiaries through mechanisms like joint ownership, beneficiary designations, or trusts, ensuring a quicker and more private distribution. While probate assets are subject to court fees and potential creditor claims, non-probate assets generally avoid these complications, offering a more streamlined approach to inheritance.