The judge's gavel and scales as a symbol of the judiciary and justice.

Q: I am retired and unmarried, and I have three children who live in other states. They don't get along very well. I'm trying to avoid probate when I die so that there will be nothing my children need to do, and little for them to fight about. I have signed and recorded a Transfer on Death Deed for my house, and I have set up all of my accounts and life insurance to be payable on death to the three of them. I also completed a rights of survivorship agreement for my car. Am I missing anything?

A: While you may have taken the needed steps to avoid probate, much work will be needed following your death.

Someone will need to arrange for your funeral and pay for it. If one of your children pays the full cost, that child will need to seek reimbursement from the other two.

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