How Safe is Your Estate From Going Through Probate Court?

Mar 11

Probate is the process of interpreting a will. Probate Court is where that happens.

Always mind your words in Court. In Probate Court, always mind the decedent’s words (decedent = the person who died).

What is Probate Court?

Where wills go to be interpreted.
Where families might fight over your belongings.
Where people have to go when their loved one did not have an estate plan.
Where creditors try to get a piece of the pie.

But, also

Where conservatorships and guardianships are established for loved ones who are unable to care for themselves.
Where you can research genealogy through death and probate records. Neato!
Where nice lawyers with not-so-nice fees, and well-meaning Judges who don’t know you, help you wade through difficult topics left by loved ones when they pass.

What do you own?

REAL ESTATE
VEHICLES
BOATS
BIKES
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
LIFE INSURANCE
STOCKS
BONDS
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
BANK ACCOUNTS
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
ETC.

Guide to the Game

1. APPROACH THE GAME TABLE

Reach out to us on out Contact page to schedule a complementary consultation.

2. UNDERSTAND THE RULES OF THE GAME

Get the rundown of the rules in a consultation, or in an estate planning workshop. Ask tough questions and get understandable answers.

3. SET THE PIECES

Inventory your property and keep track of it using our predesigned worksheets, or on a document shared with an attorney for safe keeping, securely online.

4. STRATEGIZE YOUR MOVES

Plan your gifts in an estate planning session with an attorney.

5. PLAY THE GAME

Transfer property into your Trust or to your beneficiaries automatically upon your death.

6. AVOID BAD CALLS BY THE REFEREE

Update your plan whenever you make a big purchase.

Final thought

We make it easy with online collaboration and payment options, flat fee payments and estimates so you know what you’re getting into, open communication between you and your attorney, and follow-up to keep you updated throughout the process.

Everyone needs an estate plan even if they don’t have one. People fear death, and the uncomfortable conversations around it, but you don’t have to make the mistake of ignoring the inevitable.

Trust me, talking it out and crafting a plan is easier than you think, and actually can be fun.

Avoid probate – email amateskon@gmail.com with your story, favorite morbid joke, or burning questions right now to start planning your estate today, so you can get back to skiing the Alps. You’re on your way up, don’t let worry about the future get you down.

Andrew Mateskon