JUSTIA 10 - Badge
AARP / Real Possibilities - Badge
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. - Badge
Super Lawyers - Badge
People Love us On Yelp / 2017 Award Recipient - Badge

Probate v. Non-Probate: What is the Difference?

Sowards Law Firm

When planning your estate, it is important to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets.

Probate is the process through which a court determines how to distribute your property after you die. Some assets are distributed to heirs by the court (probate assets), and some assets bypass the court process and go directly to your beneficiaries (non-probate assets).

The Probate Process

The probate process includes filing a will and appointing an executor or administrator, collecting assets, paying bills, filing taxes, distributing property to heirs, and filing a final account. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, which is why some people try to avoid probate by having only non-probate assets.

Probate Assets vs. Non-Probate Assets

Probate assets are any assets that are owned solely by the decedent. This can include the following:

  • Real property that is titled solely in the decedent’s name or held as a tenant in common
  • Personal property, such as jewelry, furniture, and automobiles
  • Bank accounts that are solely in the decedent’s name
  • An interest in a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company
  • Any life insurance policy or brokerage account that lists either the decedent or the estate as the beneficiary

Non-probate assets can include the following:

  • Property that is held in joint tenancy or as tenants by the entirety
  • Bank or brokerage accounts held in joint tenancy or with payable on death (POD) or transfer on death (TOD) beneficiaries
  • Property held in a trust
  • Life insurance or brokerage accounts that list someone other than the decedent as the beneficiary
  • Retirement accounts

When planning your estate, you need to take into account whether property is probate property or non-probate property. Your will does not control the distribution of non-probate property. Check the ownership of your property and your accounts to make sure jointly owned property will be distributed the way you want it to. It is also important to review your beneficiary designations.

Find more information on probate.

Learn more about estate planning.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Sowards Law Firm at (408) 371-6000 or info@SowardsLawFirm.com.

Client Reviews

I recently had the pleasure of working with Sowards Law Firm to create my estate plan, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. My company has a legal help portal where I discovered Sowards Law Firm, and I’m so glad I chose them. From the start, the entire process was incredibly smooth...

Prashant Joshi

They made it pretty easy for us to set up the legal entity we needed. Everyone we talked to was knowledgeable, professional, and considerate. We had to work around a difficult schedule, and the folks at Sowards made it work.

John Brawn

Everyone at Sowards Law Firm was extremely kind, helpful, and professional in helping me manage all of the legal work required after my husband passed away. They explained everything clearly, and focused on what would be the best options for me in the future. I’m grateful for their assistance and...

Lyn Savage

I have been working with Sowards Law Firm for all my estate needs and their service is impeccable, with the upmost professionalism. They walk you through scenarios in detail so that you can make informed decisions. I highly recommend this team.

Debra A

They made it SO EASY! Everything was explained and explored in regards to figuring out how to organize and structure. Very thoughtful and thorough. I will definitely recommend them, and have sent all of my clients their info to get their affairs in order.

Cindy Selleos

I used Sowards for my Estate planning needs. The firm provided excellent advice, and made the process very easy to complete in an expeditious manner. Each person that I interacted with was professional, friendly and competent. I have confidence that this multi-generational law practice is a solid...

Karen Bryant

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Certified Specialists in Estate Planning

Fill out the contact form or call us at (408) 371-6000 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message