The Probate process can be very long, expensive and stressful on a family. It is always best to avoid probate and you can do so by utilizing one of the following methods:
- Having beneficiaries listed on bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance and brokerage accounts;
- Owning property with rights of survivorship; and/or
- Creating a trust to hold some or all of your assets.
There are many other ways to avoid probate, but the best plan of action to ensure that very few assets go through probate is to consult an experienced attorney.