Watch Out for These Problem Assets in Your Estate Plan

One of the biggest goals in estate planning is avoiding probate—a process that can be long, stressful, and expensive. A well-funded trust often helps families steer clear of probate, but another equally important factor is the type of assets you leave behind. Some assets are notoriously difficult to manage, both during life and after death, and can create major headaches for your loved ones. Here are a few of the most common culprits: Individual Stock Certificates: Stocks held outside of a brokerage account can be a paperwork nightmare. Physical certificates are easily lost or damaged and replacing them often requires a costly surety bond. Without a brokerage to handle transfers, executors must work directly with issuing companies, often needing medallion signature guarantees or even court approval. The process is slow, error-prone, and can significantly delay settlement. Timeshares: Timeshares create complications during both funding and settlement. Ownership structures are often unclear, making...