Probate is necessary if you have not established an estate plan or if you have a will. Not all of your assets must be probated. Real or personal property that you hold in joint tenancy with another person can be transferred outside probate. Also, life insurance or other assets where you name a beneficiary can be transferred outside probate.
Probate can be expensive and time consuming.
Therefore, many people these days are trying to ensure that their estate avoids the court system through an estate plan. The following information is intended to provide you with general information about Wills. If you have a will you can ensure that your property goes to a certain person or organization when you die. With a will, you can specify not only who is to receive your property upon your death, but you can determine who is to be the guardian of your minor children. Many people do not realize that without a chosen guardian the state will be forced to appoint one.