Probate is generally easy to avoid, though many fail to do so. The method
that will best serve you will depend on how your assets are titled and
who you would like to inherit your estate in the event of your death.
Consider some of these tips for avoiding probate and consult with an attorney
to ensure you take the proper path.
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Get Rid of Your Property: One of the most extreme ways you can avoid the probate of an estate is
to simply get rid of all property. Without property, there will not be
an estate that needs to be probated. That said, this generally is not
practical since you will need money to live until your death. However,
you can still give away most of your assets through a special type of
trust of which you can be a beneficiary.
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Joint Ownership: Add a joint owner to a bank account, investment account or to the deed
for a real estate. This will help avoid probate if it is clear the account
is owned as joint tenants with rights of survivorship rather than as tenants
in common.
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Use Beneficiary Designations: If you own life insurance or assets held in a retirement account, you
can avoid probate by simply using beneficiary designations.
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Revocable Living Trust: This is a written agreement that covers three phases of your life, including
while you are alive and well, incapacitated, and after your death. Signing
this agreement is not enough to avoid probate after your death, however.
You will have to take your assets and title them in the name of your trust.
Houston Probate Attorney
If you are facing probate, you will need the assistance of a Houston probate
attorney. At the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny, our Houston legal team
can assist clients involved with handling probate.
Contact our office today at (713) 936-2300 to schedule a consultation today!