Most people believe having a last will and testament means their estate will pass smoothly to their heirs. They think a will protects their inheritance and avoids complications like fights over inheritance or making sure certain items get passed to specific people.
Unfortunately, the reality is more complex. Wills do not avoid probate; in fact, wills practically guarantee your estate goes through probate, which can significantly reduce what your beneficiaries actually receive.
Understanding the difference between wills and trusts, and how probate affects your estate, helps you make better decisions about protecting your legacy. For help with setting up a trust and other estate-planning priorities, call our Aurora, IL wills and trusts attorney today.