Splitting up assets like CDs and brokerage accounts would seem to be simple, too: make each payable on death to each of your kids in equal shares.

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Moreover, insurance policies and IRAs made payable to specific beneficiaries (as opposed to your estate) and bank or investment accounts made payable on death aren't part of your court administered "probate" estate.

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Depending on your state, you may be able to set up payable-on-death designations on your bank accounts and transfer-on-death designations on your brokerage accounts, vehicle(s), and real estate as a way to make sure assets transfer outside of probate.

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