Most people breathe a sigh of relief the day they finally sign their Last Will and Testament. It feels like checking off a major life task: I’m being responsible. My family is protected. Everything will be taken care of.

But what many North Carolina families don’t realize is that a will does not always keep their loved ones out of probate. In fact, it often guarantees the probate process.

And often, families don’t learn this until they are already grieving and overwhelmed.