When Tom passed away, his family quickly learned that his will wasn’t enough. What followed was a year of probate—an emotionally and financially draining process that left his children bitter and fractured. Despite Tom’s best intentions, court fees piled up, disputes over sentimental items escalated, and cherished family memories were overshadowed by resentment.
Probate is a court-supervised process designed to settle an estate, but for many families, it feels more like a punishment. It’s public, lengthy, and expensive, with fees in New York State often eating up anywhere from 5%-20% of the estate’s value. For Tom’s family, it was a stark reminder that a will alone isn’t enough to prevent complications.
Contrast this with Sarah’s story. Sarah had taken a proactive approach by working with The Estate Planning Law Center to create a revocable living trust. When Sarah passed, her assets bypassed probate entirely. Her successor trustee handled everything seamlessly—distributing assets quickly, privately, and without court involvement. There were no arguments, no delays, and no surprises.
A revocable living trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets to the trust during your lifetime while retaining full control as the trustee. Upon your death, a successor trustee steps in to manage and distribute the assets according to your wishes. This approach avoids probate and ensures your estate is settled efficiently and privately.
Tom’s family spent months in courtrooms. Sarah’s family spent those same months celebrating her life and cherishing the legacy she left behind. The difference? Proper planning.
Avoiding probate isn’t just a financial decision; it’s an emotional one. By taking steps to protect your estate now, you can save your family from unnecessary heartache. Register for a workshop today today and let The Estate Planning Law Center show you how to create a legacy of peace and harmony.
