Most estate have to go through probate. You may think that because it is likely your estate will have to go through probate anyway, it is not worth the time or expense to have a will created. However, it is almost always better to have a will in place before you die. This is true for several reasons, but the most important is how much it simplifies the process for your loved ones.
Protecting your family from a difficult legal process
Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process. Anything you can do to make it easier for your family is a good thing. A will makes probate more simple for several reasons.
- It allows you to clearly state your wishes for the court. You can outline who receives what property, eliminating any messiness in division.
- It gives your chosen executor access to your bank accounts for the purpose of estate administration. Your family members won’t have to argue over who will be the representative or executor of the estate, as you will have named someone to assume that authority. That person will be able to administer your estate without delays due to access issues.
It is likely that your estate will need to go through probate even if you do not have a will. Taking the time to create a will can give you control over what happens with your property and help you make the process easier for your family.
