Estate planning is the what attorneys and financial advisors advise that their clients engage in to optimize their exposure to probate proceedings and estate taxes (as may be applicable).  Probate is the critical aspect in these circumstances as it is a costly, time consuming court proceeding that heirs to an estate are often subject to in the absence of adequate estate planning.  This also can be a strategy to avoid being subjected to frivolous claims before and during probate, which can eat into the value of an estate rapidly.  Please consult with a lawyer to ascertain if probate and asset protection is a factor that would affect your estate and the extent of such exposure along with potential solutions under the law.