That depends on your situation. The entire probate process can take well over a year to complete. A simple will can pass through probate quickly and with minimal expense. Complicated estates, however, can take much longer. This means a home or other properties associated with the estate may remain vacant and any valuables inside at risk. Plus, the longer probate lasts, the more expensive it becomes.
Another consideration to take is that the probate process is public: Anyone can see what you’ve included in your will. To avoid probate, you would need to establish a trust. A trust is a legal document that creates a way to hold and manage assets on behalf of the beneficiary(ies). Usually a trust can be managed more quickly than a will. It keeps your information private, and can also increase your financial stability. It can even provide tax benefits. The ability to avoid or minimize probate is a prime example of the importance of an estate plan.