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Claiming Benefits and Property Without Probate

After a death, it’s not necessary to get a probate court’s approval in order to transfer many valuable assets to the people who inherit them. All kinds of property, including real estate, cars, bank accounts, and stocks may not need to go through probate. It all depends on how the deceased person set things up.

Here are some articles that will help you sort through the assets in the estate you’re handling, and determine which ones require probate and which ones don’t.

How surviving family members can get all available benefits after a loved one dies.

Beneficiaries need to know how to collect life insurance and Social Security payments that belonged to the deceased; the executor of the estate doesn't usually handle this task.

Learn ten ways to search for unclaimed life insurance benefits.

If an estate is small enough, under state law, then inheritors won't have to go to probate court at all.

How to take ownership of POD assets you inherit.

How to document the transfer of property held in joint tenancy and other kinds of survivorship property.

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Use this form to make simple changes to your living trust – for example, adding or removing beneficiaries or naming a new successor trustee.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

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Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

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