Avoid the Pain of Probate
If you die without a will, your assets will have to go through the probate process before being distributed to your family. That could mean years of delays and substantial taxes and fees.
If your will wasn't drafted properly or is out of date, that could lead to similar probate nightmares.
Starting at $24.95 per month, a LegalShield Plan gets you a will with annual updates included at no additional charge.
2 Years
Average length of probate process for estates without a will.
Source: WealthAdvisor.com Estate Planning Survey
3-7%
Average percentage of estate value paid in fees for probate court if a will is not in place.
Source: Investopedia.com Avoiding Unnecessary Probate Costs
$12,400
The average amount spent on legal and accounting fees to settle an estate.
Source: EstateExec Estate Planning Survey y
Make Probate Faster With a Will
Having a will does not avoid probate. But, a well-drafted Will can make it go faster.
If you die without a will, most, if not all, of your assets will have to go through the probate process before it can be distributed to your family. Even if you have a will, if it’s not been drafted properly and paired with other estate planning essentials like a trust, you may cause your family to spend a significant amount of time and money they otherwise could have avoided.
Using clear, unambiguous language and following the law to the letter is critical. Because laws vary from state to state, it's also important the lawyer who prepares your will is familiar with the laws and practices of your state. Having a lawyer create your will ensures it’s done correctly and that your family gets the money saving benefits of proper estate planning.
Use Trusts to Avoid Probate
Transferring assets to a trust allows them to pass without the hassle of probate.
Trusts are a powerful tool to avoid probate and available for estates of any size. A trust can be designed with many goals in mind, including to help you:
- Manage Estate Tax
- Designate Heirs
- Care for Children with Special Needs
- Care for Minor Children
- Give to Charity
A lawyer can create the right trust for your specific situation so there are no costly surprises for your family after you pass.
Reduce Family Conflict
A Will communicates your wishes for your estate — your financial and physical assets. More crucially, questions of guardianship of children and even pets will be left to the courts if you die without a Will.
If you die without a Will or any estate plan, your family may be left to fight it out. Adding a difficult and costly Probate process to that situation can only make matters worse.
An experienced lawyer can create an Estate Plan that smooths out the Probate process and dramatically reduces the chances of family conflict.
Dive Deeper into Estate Planning
Select a topic to learn more:
![Krizia Verplancke]()
Krizia Verplancke of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 2017.
![Spencer Tadashi Schiefer]()
Spencer Tadashi Schiefer of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 2011.
![Michael E. Medina Jr.]()
Michael E. Medina Jr. of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 1993.
How LegalShield Works
Finding solutions to your legal issues doesn’t have to be stressful, complicated or expensive.
LegalShield puts the power of legal representation within reach of any individual, family or business. We work hard to make it easy, simple and affordable to get the legal help you need, when you need it.
See What Our Customers Say
- I had absolutely no idea how to deal with Probate and all the things that needed to be done. [My provider lawyers] held my hand through the entire process, explained in detail exactly what, why and when I needed to do things for the Probate. They are extremely knowledgeable, kind, caring and compassionate. It was like working with family. Awesome experience! I highly recommend them to people who have no knowledge of how our Probate system works.Susan G.Oregon Member
I had absolutely no idea how to deal with Probate and all the things that n..eeded to be done. [My provider lawyers] held my hand through the entire process, explained in detail exactly what, why and when I needed to do things for the Probate. They are extremely knowledgeable, kind, caring and compassionate. It was like working with family. Awesome experience! I highly recommend them to people who have no knowledge of how our Probate system works.Read More Read LessThe lawyer who spoke with me was extremely helpful. She answered all my questions, made sure I knew where to complete the Will forms online, and called me to confirm information to complete our forms. The completed Will, Power of Attorney, and Directive to Physicians were completed and back to us within a week. We were pleased and would highly recommend your services.Sharon H.Texas Member
The lawyer who spoke with me was extremely helpful. She answered all my que..stions, made sure I knew where to complete the Will forms online, and called me to confirm information to complete our forms. The completed Will, Power of Attorney, and Directive to Physicians were completed and back to us within a week. We were pleased and would highly recommend your services.Read More Read LessI have had an above and beyond experience each time I've reached out to the support team. I ask questions and I get great feed back and informative information that has helped me with my situation that I would not have know if it wasn't for the attorney informing me of my rights. Thank you and keep doing a wonderful job.Renita L.Missouri Member
I have had an above and beyond experience each time I've reached out to the..support team. I ask questions and I get great feed back and informative information that has helped me with my situation that I would not have know if it wasn't for the attorney informing me of my rights. Thank you and keep doing a wonderful job.Read More Read Less
- I had absolutely no idea how to deal with Probate and all the things that needed to be done. [My provider lawyers] held my hand through the entire process, explained in detail exactly what, why and when I needed to do things for the Probate. They are extremely knowledgeable, kind, caring and compassionate. It was like working with family. Awesome experience! I highly recommend them to people who have no knowledge of how our Probate system works.Susan G.Oregon MemberI had absolutely no idea how to deal with Probate and all the things that n..eeded to be done. [My provider lawyers] held my hand through the entire process, explained in detail exactly what, why and when I needed to do things for the Probate. They are extremely knowledgeable, kind, caring and compassionate. It was like working with family. Awesome experience! I highly recommend them to people who have no knowledge of how our Probate system works.Read More Read Less
- The lawyer who spoke with me was extremely helpful. She answered all my questions, made sure I knew where to complete the Will forms online, and called me to confirm information to complete our forms. The completed Will, Power of Attorney, and Directive to Physicians were completed and back to us within a week. We were pleased and would highly recommend your services.Sharon H.Texas MemberThe lawyer who spoke with me was extremely helpful. She answered all my que..stions, made sure I knew where to complete the Will forms online, and called me to confirm information to complete our forms. The completed Will, Power of Attorney, and Directive to Physicians were completed and back to us within a week. We were pleased and would highly recommend your services.Read More Read Less
- I have had an above and beyond experience each time I've reached out to the support team. I ask questions and I get great feed back and informative information that has helped me with my situation that I would not have know if it wasn't for the attorney informing me of my rights. Thank you and keep doing a wonderful job.Renita L.Missouri MemberI have had an above and beyond experience each time I've reached out to the..support team. I ask questions and I get great feed back and informative information that has helped me with my situation that I would not have know if it wasn't for the attorney informing me of my rights. Thank you and keep doing a wonderful job.Read More Read Less
