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Using these pros and cons as a guide, you can meet with your estate planning team to determine your best course of action in planning your estate—to either use or avoid the probate process.

While most people may be resigned one way or another to the inevitability of taxation, many may be unaware that they have a choice regarding the form in which their contribution to society is fulfilled.

When legendary singer Aretha Franklin died of advanced pancreatic cancer at age 76, she did not have a will or trust, according to documents filed in Oakland County Probate Court. And now the $80 million estate of the intensely private Queen of Soul is about to become very public – and possibly very taxing for her heirs.

Two main responsibilities of the probate court are to determine the validity of a will and to ensure that it is faithfully executed. Since there are both advantages and disadvantages to the probate process, lets consider some of the points to determine how probate could affect your estate.