08/14/2026
LEGAL BASICS | Estate Planning & Probate Series 📚
WHAT IS A WILL?—and does having one keep your estate out of probate?
A Will is a legal document that allows you to explain how you want your property and assets handled after you die. It can also allow you to name the person you want to serve as Personal Representative of your estate.
But here's something many people don't realize:
Having a Will does not necessarily mean your estate will avoid probate. In many cases, a Will is submitted to the court as part of the probate process.
A Will can still be an important part of planning ahead because it allows you to clearly state your wishes and designate who you want to handle your estate.
We'll continue breaking down common estate planning documents and probate processes throughout this series.
Follow along for our next Legal Basics post!