Nosy Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate. Really.
Most people think of probate, which is the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property, as a private matter. But because probate goes through the court system, most filings become a matter of public record.
That means your nosy neighbor Nellie can go to the courthouse (or even online in many states) and see:
What’s in your will, who will inherit and how, and the accounts and property passing through probate and sometimes even their values.
Not Just Nellie Has Access . . .
After a death, most states require anyone holding the deceased person’s will to file it with the probate court—even if probate proceedings aren’t actually needed. That means far more than just curious neighbors can peek into your affairs:
1. Financial predators
Scammers can use probate records to submit fake invoices or debt claims to the estate. Because courts often move slowly, these schemes may not be caught until beneficiaries have already lost money.
2. Charities
Well-meaning (but persistent) charities sometimes contact heirs listed in probate records, pressuring them to donate part of their inheritance in honor of the deceased.
3. Will challengers
Since a will becomes public once filed, anyone who thinks they might have a claim—valid or not—can attempt to challenge it. This adds cost, time, and stress for your loved ones.
4. Aggressive salespeople
Some insurance agents, financial advisors, and real estate agents track probate filings to target grieving families, pushing financial products or persuading them to sell inherited property below market value.
Avoid the “Nosy Nellie” Factor with a Trust
Unlike wills, trusts are private documents. They are usually not filed with the court unless challenged—and often not even then. This means your trust details remain confidential, accessible only to the people or charities you’ve named as beneficiaries.
Administering a trust also avoids many of the delays and intrusions of probate, keeping your family’s personal and financial affairs out of the public eye.
Take Action
If you want to protect your privacy and spare your loved ones unnecessary headaches, consider creating a trust.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you avoid probate and keep your family’s affairs private.
