8 ways to avoid probate

Introduction

Thinking about probate avoidance

Set up payable-on-death accounts

Name a beneficiary for your retirement accounts

Name a beneficiary for stocks and bonds

Name a beneficiary for your vehicles

Name a beneficiary for your real estate

Hold property in joint ownership

Create a living trust

Take advantage of special procedures for small estates

Make gifts

Putting it all together

Appendix: State information.