Alternatives to Probate

While probate is a standard legal procedure that serves its purpose, it doesn’t necessarily benefit your legacy or your rightful heirs. Fortunately, an experienced probate attorney can help you pursue alternatives. Contact Medley Law Firm to get started.

Estate planning is the best way to ensure your assets are handled according to your wishes after you are gone. It not only provides peace of mind but also safeguards your loved ones from unnecessary complications. 

One of the primary reasons people set up an estate plan is to avoid formal probate, and for good reasons. Probate can be a drawn-out and intrusive legal process that puts additional stress on your family members after you pass away. Plus, it’s expensive: Court costs, attorney fees, accountant fees, and more can take a big bite out of your beneficiaries’ inheritance.

If you’re interested in avoiding probate, the Medley Law Firm can offer top-tier legal advice that is catered to your specific needs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the alternatives to probate in Florida, including possible options, key considerations, and how a dedicated probate lawyer can help.

Ready to explore probate alternatives? A dedicated estate planning attorney can help you find the best ways to leave more wealth to your family. Call our law office at (850) 607-7890 to schedule a consultation. 

Overview of Probate

Probate is the legal process through which the probate court determines the authenticity and validity of the deceased person’s will (also known as a last will and testament). In cases where there is no will, probate involves the distribution of the deceased’s assets according to the state’s intestate succession laws. The steps typically include validating the decedent’s will, appraising their property, settling their debts and taxes, and then distributing the remaining estate to rightful heirs. 

• Note: In Florida, the state’s intestate succession laws are contained in Chapter 732 of Florida Statutes. 

While probate is a standard legal procedure, many choose to avoid it through careful estate planning due to the following downsides: 

• Time-consuming and costly: Probate can be a long process, sometimes lasting several months to over a year, which can delay the distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries. It may also involve significant executor fees, appraisals, and court costs that can diminish the estate’s value.
• Lack of privacy: Because probate is a court-supervised process, the contents of a will and the details of the estate become a matter of public record. This loss of privacy regarding personal financial matters can be concerning to many.
• Potential for disputes: When a will is subject to probate, beneficiaries or discontented parties may contest the will, leading to family conflicts and further legal complications that can be stressful and may erode the estate.

Taking proactive steps – and potentially exploring the alternatives to probate – can ensure that your estate is preserved, your privacy maintained, and your wishes are honored without the additional burden of a lengthy and public probate process.

What Alternatives to Probate Are Available? 

Given the disadvantages of allowing your assets to pass through probate court, it may be beneficial to explore the various ways to avoid probate. Some of the common alternatives to probate that may be available in your case include but are not limited to: 

• Gift transfers: One of the simplest ways to avoid probate is by giving away personal property before you pass away. However, it is critical to be aware of the limits and rules around gifting to ensure you don’t inadvertently incur gift taxes. While Florida does not have a gift tax, gift taxes exist on the federal level and apply to the transfer by gift of any type of property, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 
• Joint property ownership: The right form of joint property ownership allows the real property to pass to the co-owner without going through probate proceedings. This is common with real estate, but it can also apply to bank accounts and certain other assets. There are three most common types of joint ownership: tenancy by the entirety, community property with the right of survivorship, and joint tenancy with the right of survivorship. 
• Payable-on-death designations and accounts: Also known as “POD” accounts, they allow you to name a beneficiary for bank accounts and certificates of deposit. Upon your passing, the named beneficiary can claim the money directly from the bank without probate court involvement.
• Living trusts: A revocable living trust can be a cornerstone in avoiding probate. After setting up a trust, you can transfer the ownership of your assets to it and name yourself (or another person) to be the trustee. As the trustee, you maintain control over these assets during your lifetime. After your death, the named successor trustee can transfer the trust assets to your designated beneficiaries without the need for probate.
• Life insurance beneficiary designations: Life insurance proceeds typically do not pass through probate if a living, named beneficiary is designated. However, it is critical to keep all policies up-to-date to avoid having these assets become part of the estate.
• Retirement account beneficiary designations: Accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s allow you to nominate beneficiaries. Similar to life insurance, these assets will pass directly to the beneficiaries you name without going through probate.

Each of these alternatives has its own set of rules, as well as pros and cons, which is why it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney about your options. Medley Law Firm can provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances and goals. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative to Probate

When selecting the most appropriate methods to bypass probate, it’s essential to take into consideration various factors that could impact the effectiveness of your estate plan. Some of these factors are: 

• The complexity of your financial situation: Different assets, such as businesses, investments, and properties in multiple states, could complicate the probate process. If you have a complex portfolio, establishing a trust or utilizing joint accounts might be a more strategic way to manage your estate.
• The size of your estate: A small estate may be eligible for simplified probate procedures, which is known as “summary administration” in Florida. Under Fla. Stat. § 735.201, a summary administration is available when the deceased person’s estate is worth less than 75,000 or the decedent has been deceased for more than two years. Larger estates, on the other hand, often benefit from the creation of living trusts, which can address multiple assets and beneficiaries.
• The number of beneficiaries: Fewer beneficiaries may equate to fewer complications, but as the number increases, so does the potential for disputes and challenges. It’s essential to have a clear and legally sound plan that addresses each beneficiary, which might include designated beneficiaries for specific accounts or a detailed trust outlining the distribution of assets.
• Your privacy needs: Since probate is a public process, anyone can access the legal documents filed with the probate court, which includes your will. If maintaining privacy is a priority, you may prefer methods like trusts, which keep the details of your estate private.
• The desired speed of asset distribution: If you want your beneficiaries to receive assets promptly, tools like payable-on-death accounts might be a suitable choice. Likewise, living trusts can provide immediate access to assets upon your death, depending on how they are structured.

Remember, the decisions made today will have a tremendous impact on how your legacy is handled and preserved for your beneficiaries tomorrow. That is why you do not want to leave your estate up to chance. Consider speaking with an attorney to determine the best alternative to probate that would streamline the transfer of assets and achieve your other goals. 

Alternatives to Probate Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ aims to clarify some common misconceptions about probate avoidance and provide straightforward answers targeted at those interested in creating an estate plan to bypass probate. However, do not take these answers as legal advice as everyone’s situation is unique and should be discussed with an attorney. 

• What are the most common ways to avoid probate?

Some of the most common probate avoidance tools include setting up a living trust, making payable-on-death and transfer-on-death designations, gift transfers, and joint property ownership.

• Is probate the only way to settle an estate?

No, probate is not the only way to settle an estate. Alternatives like those mentioned above can settle an estate without the need for probate, provided they are properly set up and reflective of all the assets owned. 

• Is probate necessary if there is a will?

Even if there is a will, probate may be necessary to legally transfer the deceased person’s assets. However, certain assets – including those that have named beneficiaries or are jointly held – may not need to go through probate. 

• What are the pros and cons associated with avoiding probate?

Some of the pros associated with opting for alternatives to probate include faster distribution of assets to beneficiaries, cost reduction, and protection of privacy. The potential downsides of avoiding probate include upfront legal costs, burdensome and complex legal procedures (especially when handled without an attorney), and the risk of overlooking some assets. 

• Is it legal to avoid probate?

Yes, it is legal to avoid probate as long as you do so by using established legal methods such as trusts, joint ownership, beneficiary designations, and gifts, to name a few. 

• Do I need to hire an attorney to avoid probate?

While there is no law that would require you to hire an attorney when it comes to avoiding probate, it is often advisable to seek legal counsel. A skilled attorney can ensure you are using the appropriate tools correctly and that the alternatives to probate you choose align with your intentions, goals, and wishes. 

Medley Law Firm: Discuss Your Alternatives to Probate

Proactive planning with alternatives to probate can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones, ensuring that your assets pass down to your beneficiaries according to your wishes with fewer legal hurdles.

At Medley Law Firm, we understand the subtle nuances of probate and strive to help our clients bypass or, at the very least, minimize time-consuming and expensive probate processes. To discuss your legal options, contact our law office online or give us a call at (850) 607-7890.