Most people assume their estates are worth far less than they actually are. Most estates do not qualify. No two personal situations are the same. That's why no two living trusts should be written the same way. The only estate plan you can depend on is one that is custom prepared by a qualified attorney.
Most attorneys know very little about estate planning.
And some estate planning attorneys earn a substantial part of their income from probating estates. Make sure you hire an estate planning attorney who wants to help to avoid probate. A will is the primary tool of the probate system. In effect, your will is a letter to the judge telling him how you want your property distributed. The judge then must make sure all your property is collected and appraised, and all your bills and taxes are paid, before he can distribute your property to your heirs.