Many discussions of estate planning focus on probate, the court-supervised process that oversees the distribution of assets after death. When a plan relies primarily on a will, the estate generally passes through probate, where a judge reviews documents, appoints a personal representative, and ensures that debts, taxes, and inheritances are addressed under the governing law. Probate can provide structure and oversight but may involve formal procedures, timelines, and public records.

An alternative approach places more emphasis on non-probate transfers through tools such as revocable living trusts and properly structured beneficiary designations. In a non-probate framework, assets can move according to the terms of the trust or contract without the same level of court involvement, which may streamline administration in many situations. The choice between a will-centered plan and a trust-centered plan depends on individual goals, family dynamics, and the types of property involved.