Avoiding Probate in Your State

Every state offers its residents a different menu of probate-avoidance fare. In some states, married couples typically avoid probate for all their property with a single agreement; in others, you may need to cobble together an assortment of pay-on-death designations, a transfer-on-death deed for real estate, and a joint account or two. But wherever you live, there are simple ways to avoid probate of your assets, saving your family money and hassle.