Some simple planning can spare families the cost and delay of probate court proceedings after a loved one's death. Probate can drag on for years, and can easily cost thousands of dollars -- money that would otherwise have gone to survivors.
8 Ways to Avoid Probate offers simple and effective methods for skipping the probate process so that property goes directly to the intended beneficiaries. In plain English, it explains:
setting up payable-on-death accounts
naming beneficiaries, including children, institutions, and multiple beneficiaries
naming beneficiaries for retirement accounts, vehicles, real estate, and stocks and bonds
streamlined probate procedures for small estates
holding property in joint ownership, and alternatives to joint ownership
using a living trust to avoid probate
making gifts of property and money
This edition provides updates to estate and gift tax laws, updated 50-state tables on simplified probate, and additional information on how to bequeath real estate without probate -- nearly 20 states now offer a special deed for just this purpose.
8 Ways to Avoid Probate offers simple and effective methods for skipping the probate process so that property goes directly to the intended beneficiaries. In plain English, it explains:
setting up payable-on-death accounts
naming beneficiaries, including children, institutions, and multiple beneficiaries
naming beneficiaries for retirement accounts, vehicles, real estate, and stocks and bonds
streamlined probate procedures for small estates
holding property in joint ownership, and alternatives to joint ownership
using a living trust to avoid probate
making gifts of property and money
This edition provides updates to estate and gift tax laws, updated 50-state tables on simplified probate, and additional information on how to bequeath real estate without probate -- nearly 20 states now offer a special deed for just this purpose.
