Probate is the court-supervised process that authenticates a last will (if there is one) and approves the executor to distribute estate assets. The method also involves inventorying investments, paying final bills, taxes, and insurance policy claims.
It also includes contacting heirs and giving them a window of time to claim their inheritance. Here are a few reasons why you should consider skipping probate:
It’s Time-Consuming
When someone dies, they leave behind assets distributed according to their wishes through probate. These assets can include real estate, personal property, and cash. The size of the estate and type of assets directly impact how lengthy probate takes to complete. For example, assets that are difficult to convert to cash will take longer to distribute than those that can be quickly sold.
The other major factor is the length of time that it takes to locate assets. If heirs have been tasked with finding aids and determining their value, they may need to visit several locations and search their home or safe deposit box. This can take a lot of time.
During probate, many legal and financial hurdles must be overcome. This includes settling the estate’s debts and ensuring the will is valid. It can take up to a year to settle an estate, even if everything goes smoothly and there are no disputes.
Understanding how long the process of understanding probate and why is it essential to skip the probate process will take can help you plan accordingly. By working with a lawyer with experience handling this issue, you can know that your loved one’s wishes will be fulfilled. By hiring an attorney, you can avoid potential mistakes that can delay the process and reduce stress for your family members.
It’s Expensive
The time that probate takes and its myriad costs can eat up a large percentage of the estate’s value. Attorney and court fees are just one of the many expenses that can add up.
There are a few ways to reduce or eliminate the need for probate to avoid these costly expenses. One way is by giving away property during your lifetime. Another is by using transfer on death (TOD) accounts. These are standard features of investment accounts and allow you to designate a beneficiary to receive the funds in your account when you pass.
TOD accounts can be an excellent solution for those who want to keep their financial matters private after death. However, it would help if you talked to an attorney before creating these accounts. They can explain how the account works, the costs involved, and how the funds will be distributed.
Another thing to consider is avoiding the need for probate through a trust. Trusts are generally expensive to set up and maintain, but they can be a good option for those who have significant assets and want to minimize the cost of probate.
It’s Public
During the probate process, everything that happens in court is a matter of public record. This includes all the documents related to a deceased person’s estate, including a complete listing of all assets, who they owed money to, and who stands to inherit their property. This information can be accessed by anyone who wants to see it, which can be a privacy concern for many families.
In addition, all expenses incurred by the estate during the probate process are also made public. This can include utility bills, storage fees to secure belongings, and mortgage payments. This can cause a financial burden for family members responsible for paying these debts, and they may be able to use estate assets for reimbursement in some cases.
This information makes it easier for creditors or heirs to file claims against the estate, which can be problematic. Sometimes these claims are overlooked or delayed during the probate process, and they can become more complicated if a spouse is entitled to a portion of the estate despite being disinherited.
You can transfer your assets outside of probate before death to avoid these issues. This can be done by naming beneficiaries on your financial accounts, such as life insurance policies and retirement accounts. You can also hold real property in joint tenancy with another individual’s right of survivorship (JTWROS), which will pass to the surviving owner without probate.
It’s Complex
Understanding probate can be tricky, whether you’re an executor or a beneficiary. The process can take months or years and is often a public affair. It can also be expensive. Executor fees, attorney fees, and other administrative costs can quickly add up.
Then there are taxes. Various levies might apply, including state and fiduciary income tax during the probate process, federal estate tax, and inheritance tax. Additionally, if a debt isn’t paid out of the estate, creditors must be notified and given a set amount of time to file a claim. Then any bills left unpaid by your loved one (like utility bills or storage fees to secure belongings) must be paid.
While there are ways to minimize probate, it’s essential to understand that no one can avoid it entirely. A comprehensive plan with an experienced estate planning attorney is the best way to ensure your wishes are followed after death. This includes reviewing and updating documents, naming chosen representatives, and designating beneficiaries.
It’s also essential to understand what assets are subject to probate. Assets that are jointly owned or have a beneficiary designated automatically pass to the respective owners without probate. However, things like collectibles, furniture, and electronics often must go through the court system.