The probate process can often pass quickly if you make the right decisions before you die. Often times, the slow down during probate is a direct result of a messy estate.
According to Forbes, your estate may be messy if it is going to be difficult to finalize. There are a couple of specific types of messes that can really cause delays for your heirs.
Financial mess
A financial mess could occur if you have multiple accounts with different institutions. Consolidating your accounts can make it much easier for your executor and the court to distribute your assets.
Another issue is not leaving proper access to your financial accounts. It can be difficult to gain access if the executor does not have the proper information. You should ensure he or she has account numbers and access details for every account.
Physical mess
One of the main things that can slow down the finalizing of your estate is when you leave too much behind. If you are the type of person who keeps everything, then you may want to start cleaning things out. Otherwise, your heirs may have to take time to go through all of your property and decide what to do with it.
You should go through any storage facilities you have or storage areas in your home. Get rid of things that you do not need and that you know nobody will want after you are gone. Take time to make an inventory of the items you will keep. You can even detail who gets what or what your heirs should do with items. This can streamline the process, making it much easier for everyone once you are gone.
