Which statement about wills is NOT true?

• A. A will communicates how assets are distributed.
• B. A will names guardians for dependents.
• C. A will reduces probate complexity.
• D. A will guarantees that probate will never occur.

Answer: (D)

Wills lay out how assets should be distributed and can name guardians for dependents, and when paired with other planning tools they can help streamline the process for whoever administers the estate. They can reduce probate complexity by providing clear instructions and by coordinating with assets that move outside probate, like those held in trusts or with beneficiary designations. But a will does not guarantee that probate will never occur. Probate is the legal process that verifies the will and oversees the distribution of the estate. Even with a will, assets may still need to go through probate to pay debts, resolve taxes, or transfer ownership, and some assets might bypass probate only if they’re properly titled or designated, not universally across the entire estate.