Probate Pitfalls: Lesser-Known Mistakes Families Often Make

When someone you love passes away, coping with the process known as probate —the legal mechanism to validate a will and distribute assets to beneficiaries—can feel overwhelming. While most families envision common problems such as delays in paperwork or conflicts among the heirs, several pitfalls are not so obvious, which could create unwanted complications. Recognising these hidden estate pitfalls can help families not only through the process of probate but also save them additional stress and hassle during an emotional time. Overlooking Non-Probate Assets One common yet overlooked mistake is not realising that not all of the belongings of the decedent go through probate. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or real property owned as tenants by the entirety usually transfer directly to the named beneficiaries without any transfer through probate. Sometimes families unnecessarily include these assets in the probate process, which only slows down the process and creates confus...