If you die without a will, your estate will pass through probate. For the most part, your assets will go to your closest relatives under the intestate succession laws of your state. It’s also important that you know which assets don’t go through your will and are not affected by intestate succession laws mentioned above.

Some examples of property that doesn’t go through your will includes:

• Life insurance policy proceeds
• IRA funds
• Property transferred into a living trust
• Securities in a transfer-on-death account
• Property owned by a joint tenancy
• Bank accounts considered “payable-on-death”

Avoiding probate is a good idea if you’d like to save your heirs from the confusion that can occur after you have passed. Putting together a will allows for you to stipulate clear outlines about how you want your estate handled.

Contact an estate planning professional to learn more about how you plan ahead.