Jointly held assets, whether real estate, bank accounts or other investments are not part of the Estate. There is a right of survivorship and by law the asset becomes the property of the surviving joint owner, regardless of what the Will says or whether or not there is a Will. Probate fees are not payable on the value of such assets, and ownership can pass without the necessity of a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee with a Will (formerly called Letters Probate). If a client arranges his or her …