Estate planning helps you control who receives your assets, who makes decisions if you can’t, and how to reduce conflict and delays. Probate is the court process that may follow a death; understanding it can save your family time, money, and stress.

Estate planning helps you control what happens to your assets and loved ones if you become incapacitated or die, while probate is the legal process that may be required to carry out those wishes. Understanding both can reduce delays, costs, and family conflict.