Many people likely do not understand the extent to which they can dictate how, when, where, and why their personal property is transferred upon their death.
Probate proceedings dictate how all property – both real and personal – is transferred upon someones death. Probate lawyers know this, but laypeople often do not. Either that or, in my opinion, they choose to ignore it.
In fact, using my own family as an example, I know that most members of my family would be shocked to know that their personal property may be transferred to heirs and beneficiaries in ways which they would have never have expected nor wanted.
For example, many men and woman have personal property such as jewelry, pictures, clothes, and other assets to which they are particularly fond of. In some cases those items of sentimental personal property might be quite valuable. Indeed, family members may even fight over valuable and non-valuable personal property. Unfortunately, it happens. What is the solution to this problem? Estate planning.
I find it a bit odd that many people appear not to be very interested in how their property is transferred at their death. Yet, these same people (my family included) are very concerned on their property when they are alive. I know that my family members love each other and want the best for one another. However, they fail to plan for their own deaths and how their property is transferred. This is a mistake.
Do yourself a favor, talk with an estate planning or group of Apple Valley MN probate lawyers. It may not be fun, but it is the right thing to do.
