Estate Planning Considerations: 3 Ways to Avoid Probate

If you are in your retirement years, it’s likely that you’ve already started to consider your estate planning options. For many of us, the legacy we leave to future generations matters a great deal, so it’s important that your estate plans ensure your surviving loved ones get the most out of their inheritance. One of the best ways to do that is to avoid the time and costs involved in probate court.

Probate is the traditional legal proceedings that occur after a person dies. The process includes everything from validating the deceased person’s will to appraising their property, paying debts and taxes and distributing their property to beneficiaries. According to Nancy Clanton, Community Relations Director at Tuscan Gardens^® of Venetia Bay in Venice, Florida, probate court can cost families a great deal of finances and frustration.

“Not only is probate court expensive,” explains Clanton, “but it can tie up a person’s property and assets for months or even over a year. With the addition of court and attorney fees, families could easily spend close to 5% of what their inheritance is worth over a long period of legal processes.”

It’s no wonder that seniors look for ways to avoid the hassle of probate if they can (for further convincing, see here). Fortunately for today’s savvy senior, there are several ways to get around probate if you plan carefully.

Three Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs and Conundrums

According to Nolo.com, one of the top online legal resources for those of us without a law degree, it’s wise to limit the amount of property that goes through probate – or avoid probate altogether – when you’re considering your estate plans.

You can avoid probate by how you plan to distribute your property and assets. When you draw up your estate plans, consider the following options to protect your property and its future owners from probate’s costs and stressors:

1. A Revocable Living Trust – When you put your property into a living trust, it avoids probate because it technically no longer belongs to you – it belongs to the trustee. After your death, the trustee that you chose can easily transfer the trust property to the family and friends you left it to, without having to go through probate.When you set up a living trust, which is similar to a will, you will clearly state the trustee who will be in control of the property and who should receive it once you die. A revocable living trust is convenient if you think you may want to change beneficiaries later on. Otherwise, with an irrevocable trust, the beneficiaries you choose at the trusts creation cannot be changed.
2. Pay-On-Death Accounts – You can also avoid probate by converting your bank accounts and retirement accounts into pay-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts. This allows you to name a beneficiary to receive the funds in the account. After your death, these accounts will automatically transfer to your beneficiary without needing to go through probate.Some states also allow you to convert vehicle registrations and real estate deeds to payable-on-death registrations. This is a simple way to enjoy your property while you are living, and swiftly pass it down to your heir of choice only after your death.
3. Gifts – If you would rather pass down your property to your loved ones while you’re alive, you can simply gift it to them. Since gifted items no longer belong to you, probate is no longer a concern. Plus, most gifts are not subject to the federal gift tax, as long as they fall within certain standards.Giving away your property while you’re alive not only allows you to personally pass it down, sharing it with a loved one and witnessing their reaction, but it gives you the opportunity to be creative with your giving. Consider some of the ways you can give significant gifts to your loved ones:

• • Direct Gifts – You can give up to $14,000 per recipient, per year, to as many people as you like without having to pay a gift tax.
  • Medical or Tuition Expenses – Pay directly for someone’s medical bills or college tuition.
  • College Savings – If you have young grandchildren or great-grandchildren, put money into a Section 529 savings plan for future college expenses.
  • Rent-Free Living – If you move to a retirement community or downsize to a smaller home, allow family to live in your house rent-free.
  • Donations to Charity – You can give however much you want to the charity of your choice.
  • Scholarship Funds – Consider funding a scholarship at your alma mater.
  • Heirlooms – For non-monetary gifts, passing down important or valuable items can be a meaningful experience for both you and the receiver.

Your Resource for Senior Living Advice

Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay was created by those who wanted the best senior lifestyle for their parents. So we understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of seniors and their families. We know that making sure your legacy is protected against costly processes is important, and we’re here to help.

“If you would like to know more about estate planning that avoids tedious legalities such as probate, Tuscan Gardens can help,” says Clanton. “Our community is home to a team of senior living experts who have experienced concerns just like yours. We’re happy to help you answer any questions you may have about probate or estate plans, as well as any other senior living concerns.”

Contact Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay for the guidance and advice you need for a vibrant, healthy senior lifestyle.