"Most people don't realize that most of their property WON'T pass through their wills. This book helps estate planners make sure assets go to the right people. Almost anyone can benefit from this book: anybody with a bank account, retirements account or real estate can use the probate avoidance methods in this book. No other inexpensive, plain-English book helps readers better understand and pick the probate-avoidance methods that suit them best."--Publisher.

Includes index.

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.