Probate is the judicial process whereby there is proof of a will in a court of law. One accepts a will as a valid public document that is the true last testament of the deceased. Therefore the estate is settled according to the laws of intestacy in the state of residence of the deceased.

The legal process of managing a decedent’s estate, resolving any claims, and distributing the decedent’s property in accordance with a will begins with the granting of probate. A probate court decides the legal validity of a testator’s (deceased person’s) will and grants its approval, also known as granting probate, to the executor. Once the will receives probation, it becomes a binding legal document. Moreover the executor may use it to his or her advantage in court, if necessary. Furthermore, a probate officially names the executor (or personal representative), who is typically in the will. Also it grants them the authority to distribute the testator’s assets in accordance with the terms of the will. However, a will may be contested during the probate procedure.

Who is a probate lawyer?

A state-licensed attorney who assists the beneficiaries and executors of an estate in settling the decedent’s affairs is a probate lawyer. If all of the decedent’s assets are in a trust, one can occasionally avoid probate. Without going through a court or legal process, a trust can guarantee a smooth transfer of property.

When a person dies, their assets must be distributed in accordance with applicable state laws. In accordance with the instructions set forth in their will when they were living. An estate’s beneficiaries or executor are guided through the probate process by a probate lawyer; who helps with everything from identifying beneficiaries and estate assets to allocating assets and inheritances.

Methods to save money during a probate process-

1-joint ownersip

The types of joint ownership that allow your property to avoid probate include joint tenancy with right of survivorship; tenancy by the entirety, and community property with right of survivorship. When you possess assets like stocks, cars, homes, and bank accounts in joint ownership; the joint survivor immediately receives the title to the assets upon your passing. Keep in mind that if you title your property jointly, you will forfeit your ownership interest in the property.

2-Transfer to trust in probate

Inter-vivos trusts and revocable living trusts were developed to assist persons in avoiding the probate procedure. The assets held in a trust transfer to your inheritors without going through probate, unlike the assets stated in your will. You merely draught a trust agreement, after which you transfer ownership of the property to the trust. To maintain complete control over the trust’s assets, many people designate themselves as the trustee.

Alternate beneficiaries may also be in a trust; which similarly eliminates the need for a waiting time after death and is considerably more difficult to challenge in court.

3-set up payable on death registrations

These accounts, also referred to as transfer-on-death accounts, let you designate one or more beneficiaries to circumvent the probate procedure. It is normally easy to create and free; and the beneficiary can quickly access the funds once the owner passes away.

However, you must add the capability of naming a beneficiary to the account; most banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and brokerage houses permit you to do so. You’ll need to be persistent and push your institution for the necessary forms because it takes some additional time and paperwork.

4-tax free gifts –

Giving helps you avoid probate for the quite straightforward reason that you no longer own the property after you pass away. You can give your heirs up to $15,000 per person each year without incurring a gift tax penalty for tax years 2020 and 2021. Giving before you pass away can reduce your probate expenses because such expenses often inversely correlate with the asset value subject to probate.

Beneficiary designations –

Check that your beneficiaries are current and dust out that old life insurance policy. After a second marriage, people frequently neglect to change their beneficiary, which results in the ex-spouse receiving everything. Update the beneficiaries on your IRAs, 401(k), life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and other retirement funds by calling your custodians.

Conclusion-

Despite the fact that we have shown some drawbacks to using a will as your only estate planning instrument; do not assume that you no longer require one. The tips listed above highlight some excellent resources for creating a more effective plan. However, you should write a will to protect any assets you could have missed. Or the ones you bought just before you passed away.

The assets of a decedent should go through distribution according to their wishes. The least amount of income, estate, and inheritance taxes, legal fees, and court costs possible. Achieving these objectives requires avoiding probate.