Because probate is the legal process for administering a deceased person's property for their creditors and potential heirs, probate can usually be avoided if that person created an estate plan during their lifetime. For example, the use of living trusts can help individuals maintain control over their assets while they are alive and also protect them from probate after death. Through wills, people have the ability to designate specific beneficiaries or guardians of minor children so that those persons inherit their assets instead of probating the will at all.