I have a check written to my mothers estate that is 2000. ? I have a will that makes me the executor of the estate , do I need aprobate to cash this

A Will has no legal effect until a court admits it to probate (proving -- that it is the Will of the person who died). After the court appoints you executor (the Will only names you), you can open a bank account in the name of the estate and deposit the check. If your mother's estate consists of more than the check, it could be financially worth your while.  If not, it may not.  If it is not, you can let the check go to unclaimed property with the state comptroller and in four to six years (it varies by state), submit documents to show that you are entitled to the money.