Estate Planning and Probate

Estate planning involves the preparation of will and trusts, and associated documents to effectuate the passage of the estate of a person after death.  Proper planning can save large amounts of money for the estate and the heirs, and can provide privacy and a faster transfer.  Avoiding probate is frequently the aim of preparing a living trust, or revocable trust.

Probate is the proceeding in court whereby the will of a person is given effect.  The court supervises the disposition of the estate and the acts of the executor or administrator of the estate.  There are statutory fees and rules that apply to these proceedings.