Here’s a cautionary story from the Daily Mail about a wealthy Connecticut man who died, leaving an estate of $162 million, in 1986, which was consumed by attorney’s fees during the lengthy probate process. The Connecticut story was an extreme case and no doubt left the family displeased with their attorneys. Probate cases are usually completed within a few months to year or so, depending on the complexity of the assets involved and how cooperative the heirs are. But probate horror stories like this one are what cause many people to avoid probate with a trust, joint tenancy property, transfer on death or pay on death, and other probate-avoidance techniques.

If you’re involved in a probate estate or need a good estate plan to avoid probate, call (913-707-9220) or email (steve@johnsonlawkc.com) our office, Johnson Law KC LLC, for a convenient complimentary consultation.

(c) 2012, Stephen M. Johnson, Esq.