Are POD’s part of an estate?

Are POD’s part of an estate?

My great aunt has a Will, with an attorney as the executor of her estate. She has 2 people, including myself, as heirs to her estate. She has since set up a Payable-On-Death (POD) for her bank account with me as the sole beneficiary so that i will access to her funds without having to wait for probate. She also has stocks, bonds, and/or annuities which I assume will be liquidated to pay off debts, taxes, etc., before being distributed to her two heirs. When she passes, will the POD account stand alone and not be effected by her Will’s wishes or does the Will supersede the POD?

Asked on November 18, 2013 under Estate Planning, California

Answers:

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