Why is probate avoidance such a common goal?

There are several reasons why avoiding probate is such a common estate planning goal. One reason is the amount of time it takes to get through the probate process. In the State of Maryland, creditors have six months to file claims against the estate. Consequently, it takes a minimum of about eight months to probate even a relatively modest estate. More complex estates can easily take more than a year to probate, meaning beneficiaries must wait that long to receive their inheritance. Another reason to avoid probate is the cost. Along with expenses, everyone involved in the probate process is entitled to a fee which can ultimately diminish the value of the estate that is passed down at the end of probate. Finally, probate is a very public process. Once the decedent’s Will is submitted for probate, it becomes public and may be viewed by anyone.