Why its Important to Consider Avoiding Probate

Probate is the court process that ensures that a deceased individual’s assets are distributed as required by law.

If the individual left a will, probate ensures that the will is honored to the greatest extent possible. If there is no will, probate follows the plan of distribution set out in the law.

Because probate is carried out by the court and is subject to many procedures required by law, it is time consuming and expensive. Probate generally takes nine to eighteen months, during which heirs generally cannot access their inheritance. It usually costs about $4,000-15,000 (depending on various factors) for a modest estate (valued at $250,000-$500,000) that proceeds through probate smoothly.