8 Ways to Avoid Probate

8 Ways to Avoid Probate by Randolph, Mary. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781413320145.

Some simple planning can spare families the cost and delay of probate court proceedings after a loved ones 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.