[RoseyRed]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I went through probate when my mother died in Maryland. I talked to an attorney who offered to do the probate for $4,500 plus fees. So, I decided to do it myself. It took about 45 minutes to get a letter authorizing me to sell my mother's house and other assets. I completed everything in about an hour, and, after 6 months (the legal time period to keep the estate open), I sent in a one page form to the court and I was done. Easy peasy. The only reason for going through probate was to be able to sell the house. A title company will not accept a will to transfer ownership of a house.

I also have very similar assets as you do, a Fidelity account, a Vanguard account, a checking account, and a house. The only asset that may need to be probated is the house because my other assets are TOD accounts. I am considered retitling the house as a Lady Bird deed, which will allow the house to automatically transfer to an heir without probate.

I believe that attorneys want you to create a trust because that is how they make money. Good luck.

Never heard of a lady bird deed! Will have to research that one! Thanks for the info!