Having a good understanding of how wills are used, how probate works and what other documents are needed to protect yourself and loved ones is key to creating an effective estate plan, explains the article “Understanding probate helps when drafting will” from The News Enterprise.
A last will and testament expresses wishes for property distribution after death. It’s different from a living will, which formalizes choices for end-of-life decisions. The last will and testament may also include special provisions for tax planning, minor children, disabled dependents and even pets.
The will does not become effective until after death.
The will has roles for specific people. The “testator” is the person creating the will. “Beneficiaries” are heirs receiving assets after the testator has died. The “executor” is the person who oversees the estate, ensuring that directions in the will are followed.
If there is no will, the court will appoint someone to manage the estate, usually referred to as the “administrator.” There is no guarantee the court will appoint a family member or relative, even if there are willing and qualified candidates in the family. Having a will precludes a court from appointing a stranger to make serious decisions about a treasured possession and the future of your loved ones.
A will is usually not filed with the court until after the testator dies and the executor takes the will to the court in the county where the testator lived to open a probate case. If the person owned real estate in other counties or states, probate must take place in all other such locations. The will is recorded in court and becomes part of the public record for anyone to see.
Assets with named beneficiaries, like life insurance proceeds, retirement funds and property owned jointly, are distributed to beneficiaries outside of probate. However, any property owned solely by the decedent is part of the probate action and is vulnerable to creditors and anyone who wishes to make a claim against the estate.
The best way to protect your family and your assets from the costs, delays and public nature of probate is to have a complete estate plan that includes your assets being held in a trust and, therefore, not subject to probate.
Reference: The News Enterprise (Aug. 17, 2021) “Understanding probate helps when drafting will”