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Probate is the legal process by which a court supervises the distribution of property left in a will as well as that property left by those who die intestate, without a will. This process normally takes a considerable amount of time, money and effort but can be avoided by careful planning. For example, bank accounts and residences owned jointly will pass directly to the survivors outside of the probate process. The proceeds of like insurance policies will likewise go directly to named beneficiaries without passing through probate. However, even where probate can be avoided by such means, it may be wise to have an attorney draft a will. In that way, you can determine precisely how your property will be distributed among your heirs. In the absence of a will, state laws will determine the division of your property according to established legal guidelines.