Probate is the court process where a judge reads your last will and testament and signs orders to ensure that your estate pays your debts, your next of kin are notified about your death, and your property gets handed out. If all you have is a will, your family will likely end up in probate.

• IN Florida, Formal Probate requires hiring an attorney. (This is NOT TRUE in VERMONT or CONNECTICUT.)

• Going to court helps to ensure your family carries out your last will and testament wishes.

• The probate process is often time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating for your beneficiaries.

A last will and testament allows you to outline your wishes, so you ensure all your property goes exactly where you want it to go.

If you don't outline these intentions, your property may be distributed to your surviving family according to state intestacy laws, which usually sticks to your family tree. This process does not take into account your chosen family and friends.

A last will and testament has a lower upfront cost than other more thorough and powerful estate plans, such as revocable living trusts. A will is often a fraction of the cost and might be the best choice for some clients.

On the other hand, probate is often more expensive in the long-run, so the money you save now may be spent later by your estate during the probate process.