Everyone’s heard of probate. Almost no one actually understands it. In fact, a 2024 national study found that only 65% of Americans even think they know what probate means. The rest? Completely in the dark.
And that’s a problem. Why? Because probate can be long, expensive, and emotionally brutal for families already dealing with loss. Yet most people still underestimate just how much time, money, and hassle it can take to get through.
At Rosenberg Law Firm, we’re big fans of two things: education and preparation. (We’re also big fans of espresso, but that’s another story.) Let me explain why you need to care about probate — and how you can help your family skip the nightmare.
Why You Should Care About Probate
Probate is just the fancy legal term for what happens to your stuff after you die. The court has to validate your will (assuming you even have one), figure out what you owned, pay your debts and taxes, and then hand what’s left to your heirs.
Sounds simple, right? Wrong.
Probate usually comes with:
- Endless court forms and deadlines
- Hefty fees
- Family squabbles
- And lots of waiting
Here are a few fun (read: terrifying) stats from that study:
- 52% of Americans admit they think probate is difficult… which is adorable, because it’s worse than they think.
- The average probate takes 20 months. Yes, months. And only 2% of people guessed that right.
- Probate can gobble up 3–7% of your estate’s value in fees. On a $750,000 estate, that’s anywhere from $22,500–$52,500 down the drain.
- Many folks thought probate costs “less than $1,000.” Bless their hearts.
What Happens If You’re Not Ready
Here’s the kicker: half of Americans don’t even know if their state or county requires probate. Meanwhile, over $72 trillion (yes, trillion) is going to change hands over the next few decades, and almost no one is ready.
Here’s what the study also found:
- 62% of millennials don’t have a will or trust.
- 34% of millennials have no clue if their parents have a plan.
If you don’t plan ahead, probate will:
- Delay inheritances
- Erode family relationships
- Drain your hard-earned assets
But hey, at least it’s avoidable.
How to Dodge the Probate Mess
Good news: probate is not inevitable. An experienced estate planning attorney (like yours truly) can help you put the right tools in place so your family can skip the stress.
The fix?
- Set up a revocable living trust
- Title your assets properly
- Keep your beneficiary designations up to date
Even if you already have a plan, it’s worth reviewing regularly to make sure it still fits your family and your goals.
Why You Should Do This Now
The truth is simple. Most families are unprepared for probate. But it’s entirely within your power to fix that — today.
We help families understand their options, save money and time, and keep the peace. Don’t leave your family holding the bag. Take the first step now.
Request a Consultation or Register for a Workshop and let’s get your plan in place.