Can your family inherit your wealth without legal delays?

In the event of my passing, will my family have immediate access to my investments, bank accounts and other financial assets, or will they be subject to legal formalities?

- Anuradha Shah

Besides, what steps can I take to ensure a smooth transfer of funds to my beneficiaries?

—Name withheld on request.

The main objective of estate planning is to ensure that an individual's assets seamlessly transfer to their loved ones after their passing. However, if this is done through a Will, the process isn't always immediate.

In many jurisdictions, a Will must first go through probate—a legal procedure where the court validates its authenticity. Until this is completed, the executor cannot distribute the assets, potentially delaying financial access for the family.