Your finances, your family, your business, your peace of mind. It is all yours, and no one needs backstage passes to the most personal parts of your life. At Voorhees Law Group, we work with families who value their privacy and want their legacy handled with dignity. What many people do not realize is that the wrong estate plan can put their entire world on public display.
A few years ago, a local family learned this the hard way. Their father passed unexpectedly, and although he had a will, he never updated it or created a trust. Since a will must go through probate, the entire estate became a matter of public record. Anyone could pull up the file and see every detail. The value of his home, the balances in his accounts, the names of his children, the family disagreements, even the tug of war over sentimental items. Suddenly the most sensitive moments of their grief became community gossip. Probate is far more public than most people ever imagine.
This situation is more common than people think. A will always goes through probate, and probate is public. The moment a will is filed with the court, the information inside becomes accessible. Asset values, beneficiaries, disputes, creditor claims, and any bumps in the process are all open to curious eyes. For families who own businesses or simply prefer to keep their private lives private, this can feel like an invasion.
Trusts offer something completely different. A well drafted trust allows your estate to be handled privately, without probate and without public court involvement. Your assets transfer according to your instructions, and your personal information stays exactly where it belongs, in the hands of the people you choose. At Voorhees Law Group, we often recommend trusts for clients who want to avoid delays, protect sensitive details, and make things easier on the people they love.
Beneficiary designations can also help maintain privacy. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and certain financial assets can pass directly to named beneficiaries. These transfers bypass probate and stay out of the public record. They are not a complete estate plan, but they are a valuable part of a confidential one.
The goal is simple. Your personal life should stay personal. With the right planning tools, you can keep your financial story protected, shield your family from unnecessary attention, and ensure that your wishes are carried out quietly and respectfully.
Ready to keep your affairs private and protected? Request a Consultation to create your confidential estate plan with a team that respects your privacy as much as you do.