To give advice you need to learn. With knowledge comes the ability to provide answers with insight. Signed up to take MCLE Estate Planning Symposium and MCLE Basics Plus Estate Planning. Within those, all the probate variations are discussed (insolvent estates) (what kind of wills or trusts, etc.). With a house, (IRA and little else, people around here may have more than they may might think of as far as probateable assets. People have a natural tendency to avoid - quitting smoking, going to the gym, eating better - anything that's good for you. That includes making financial plans and preparations for your future. Once done, a weight is lifted, but you can't experience that except for yourself.