Probate proceedings seek to validate the decedent's last will. In addition, this process retitles the estate's assets into the names of heirs according to the deceased person's wishes. A court supervises these types of proceedings to ensure that the estate pays its debts and heirs receive their assets.

After losing a loved one, family members generally look for a properly written will and other crucial estate planning documents. Without a well-organized plan, relatives of the deceased may have to gather information needed by the court. This can mean that the probate process takes much longer.

Probate Court Proceedings

The petitioner, usually the estate executor or personal representative, begins the process. First, the petitioner files a death certificate and a last will with the probate court. It is also useful to produce a list of known creditors and names and contact data of the decedent's heirs. Smaller estates and those estates not contested by heirs can usually work through the process fairly quickly and efficiently.

Laws regarding probate are state-specific, and most states set valuation thresholds. If, for instance, a Tennessee estate consists solely of personal property valued at less than $50,000 and no one contests the will, hearings may move more quickly.

For larger value estates, there is a substantially greater amount of paperwork necessary. The process may include not only validating the will, but also the following:

• Determining asset distribution,
• Settling disputes,
• Paying off remaining debts including taxes, and
• Ultimately closing the estate by distributing assets to the heirs.

A checklist of documents to gather may include:

• Death certificates
• Final will
• Trust documents
• Contact information for heirs
• Beneficiary designations
• Pre- or post-nuptial agreements
• Previous three years of federal and state income and gift tax returns
• Life insurance policies
• Real estate deeds
• Vehicle titles
• Statements of financial accounts
• Contracts and business agreement documents
• Appraisals for high-value art, collectibles, or jewelry
• Other known assets
• Known debts
• Ongoing bills
• Medical and funeral expenses

Probate Proceedings Without a Will

The decedent's residence state intestacy laws will apply if your loved one dies without a last will (intestate succession). All personal property without a beneficiary designation will be subject to the probate process at the court's direction.

Some assets will avoid the probate process under state property title, state contract, or state trust law. These assets may include:

• Life insurance policies with designated death beneficiaries
  
• Retirement accounts with designated death beneficiaries
  
• Annuities with designated death beneficiaries
  
• Pay-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts
• Joint tenancy property with rights of survivorship
• Tenancy by the entirety
• All trust property

Cost of Probate

Complex probate processes can be costly and take years to finalize. This is why many individuals retain an estate planning attorney to minimize probate proceedings.

Lengthy proceedings can be frustrating for heirs who are rightful beneficiaries but must comply with the probate process. The average cost of probate varies by state. However, 5 percent to 10 percent of an estate's value in administrative costs and legal fees is typical. Some estates may lose as much as 20 percent of their value as a result of the process.

Other fees may include executor compensation, court fees for filings and paperwork, and a probate bond. 

The most common reason for high probate costs occurs when someone contests the will, as ongoing litigation can be expensive. Issues relating to preparing and filing the decedent's last federal estate tax return and any ensuing audit may also increase the cost of the probate process.

Consult With Your Estate Planning Attorney

Most individuals create an estate plan with their lawyer that allows their assets to pass outside the probate process. Typically, this is possible by creating a revocable living trust. Depending on your situation, your estate planning attorney may recommend other types of trusts.

Be sure to review your estate plan with your attorney as needed. Work with your attorney to update the names of beneficiaries on any of your accounts that will pass outside of probate. Your attorney can also help minimize probate court interactions and streamline your heir's inheritance process.