8 Ways to Avoid Probate

Want to save your family money and hassle? Read this book

Probate court proceedings after a death can cost tens of thousands of dollars in attorney and court fees--money that would otherwise have gone directly to your loved ones. This top-selling guide explains methods to skip the probate process, including:

• naming payable-on-death beneficiaries for financial accounts


• holding property jointly


• transferring real estate with transfer-on-death deeds


• using a living trust


• naming the right beneficiaries for IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans, and


• using probate shortcuts for small estates.

This updated edition covers the latest state laws on probate avoidance methods and all estate-related impacts of recent federal changes to retirement distribution rules.