An individual's estate for probate purposes consists of those assets owned by that individual, in his own name, at the time of his death. It does not include life insurance proceeds (unless the policy is payable to the estate), assets held jointly with the rights of survivorship, or most assets held in trust for the benefit of the person who died (decedent). At the time of death the distribution of those assets that make up the probate estate are overseen by the probate court. This is necessary to ensure that all the debts of the estate are paid and that the decedent's heirs and devisees received the portion of the estate to which they are entitled. This is called the probate process. The probate process begins with filing the decedents will with the court and notifying all those interested by mail, and by publication in the newspaper. After notice has been given to all interested parties, and assuming no objections, the court will appoint the individual named in the will as executor. The executor holds title to the estates assets and is responsible for inventorying all the estates assets, accounting for any income received during the administration, preparing estate and income tax returns, paying the debts of the decedent, and transferring title of the assets to those beneficiaries and heirs as listed by the decedent in his or her will. A properly crafted estate plan, which inventories all assets in advance, will streamline the probate process resulting in lower costs of administration. Attorney Carleen will assist the executor and family members of the decedent in every facet of the administration including probating the will, preparing the estate and income tax returns, and completing and filing the final accounting to the court for approval.