Will I need to go through normal probate for cashing a $10k check made out to my mother estate.

Please accept my condolences on your loss. Unfortunately, you will likely need to open the estate, since the check was made out to the estate and not to your mother directly. Since your mother died with no Will, you MAY be able to get the bank on which the check was drawn (the insurance company's bank) to cash the check, if you present the affidavit discussed in O.C.G.A. § 7-1-239.1. (Payment of checks or instruments payable to deceased intestate persons; affidavit included with application for payment." GA. Code 7-1-239.1 Payment of checks or instruments payable to deceased intestate persons; affidavit included with application for payment), but it's not guaranteed to work. All of her children would need to endorse the check and provide the affidavit. If there are any other items in the estate, however, such as real estate, then you may need to open the estate for administration anyhow. Best wishes to you.