Some people think that having a will is all they need to protect their loved ones from the probate process when they die.
This is a misconception.
A will is certainly beneficial, as having one does help your executor complete probate easily since they’ll know how to distribute your assets. However, most estates have to go through probate regardless of whether or not the decedent had a valid will.
If you want to avoid probate, you can create a revocable living trust. A revocable living trust is a document where you can distribute your assets to your heirs. Trusts don’t have to go through probate, so your assets pass to your beneficiaries immediately.