Assets disposed of outside the probate process are part of the non-probate estate. Since a probate proceeding is not required, these assets are distributed more quickly to the appropriate beneficiaries. Many people seek out these assets and ownership models in order to save their loved ones from the difficulties associated with going through the probate courts. If you are interested in managing your finances and your property so that your family does not have to go through probate, then contact an experienced estate planning attorney for advice.

Assets Always Considered Non-Probate Assets

Certain types of assets, because of their contractual nature, are always part of the non-probate estate. These types of assets include:

• Life insurance proceeds: A life insurance policy is a contract with an insurance company that specifically states who will be paid after your death. Since payment of the life insurance proceeds to the named beneficiary is in the contract, there is no need for the life insurance policy to go through probate.
  
  
• IRAs, 401(k), and other tax-deferred retirement plan proceeds: IRAs, 401(k), and other tax-deferred retirement plan proceeds pass directly to the beneficiary designated in the plan. Similar to a life insurance policy, the payment of the retirement fund to the named beneficiary is agreed upon in advance, and, like life insurance proceeds, there is no need to go through probate.

Ownership Models that Avoid Probate

Other types of assets only become non-probate assets if the owner or owners make certain decisions as to how those assets are held.

• Joint tenancy with rights of survivorship: A joint tenancy with rights of survivorship means that two or more owners hold title to an asset together. When one of the owners dies, that person's ownership interest automatically passes to the remaining owner or owners. Married couples typically hold assets such as real estate, automobile, and bank accounts in this way.
  
  
• Payment on Death (POD) bank accounts: Payment on Death bank accounts name contingent beneficiaries when the account is opened with the financial institution. The beneficiary possesses no ownership interest in the account until the account owner dies, but receives full ownership of the money held in the account at that point.
  
  
• Transfer on Death (TOD) securities: Transfer on Death stocks, bonds and brokerage accounts provide the same opportunities as POD bank accounts. The account holder retains exclusive ownership rights while he or she is alive, and the named beneficiary receives the proceeds when the account holder dies.
  
  
• Revocable Living Trusts: A revocable living trust is a legal entity that can hold title to property. Since the trustee for the trust, not the donor, has title to the trust, the property within the trust will pass outside probate. Because the trust is revocable, the donor effectively has access to the property during his or her lifetime, almost as if he or she owned it outright. At the time of the donor's death, a trust document, similar to a will, directs the trustee as to the distribution of the trust property.

Although probate is avoided, holding assets jointly or with survivorship rights can create problems. For example, in the case of assets held in a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, the owner gives up exclusive control of the assets. As a result, the owner may be at risk that other owner will take all the assets, or that creditors of the joint owner will seek to satisfy their claims from the joint account. Experienced legal advice can help you determine the best model for your needs.

Conclusion

While non-probate assets are not subject to probate procedure, there are pros and cons to each model. To determine the best way for you to maintain your assets, contact an attorney who understands probate and estate administration issues.

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