Free tool

Can your family skip probate?

Most states let small estates pass with a short affidavit or a simple court step instead of full probate. Choose a state and enter roughly what would go through probate to see the limit and how it works.

Leave out accounts with a named beneficiary, joint accounts, transfer-on-death property and anything in a living trust. Those usually skip probate anyway.

Does it include real estate in this state?

What counts toward the limit

Only what would go through probate counts: things in the person's name alone with no beneficiary. Retirement accounts and other accounts with a named beneficiary, joint accounts, transfer-on-death deeds and living trust assets pass outside probate. Our guide to how to avoid probate explains each one, and what probate is covers the full process.

Every state's guide is in our state guides. Planning ahead so your family never has to ask? Schedule a free consultation.