Can I Avoid Probate by Adding my Heirs as Joint Tenants?

Many people have said that a cheap way to avoid probate is to hold title in your property with the beneficiary you want to have it upon your death as joint tenants. This is true. All it costs is a recording fee of $40.00 at your local records office for your real estate, for instance. However, holding title with another as joint tenants is very risky during your lifetime if you want to sell the property. For example, if you want to sell your home that is titled to you and your daughter as joint tenants, you must have her sign off on the sale of the house. Sometimes the other joint tenant may not agree with you and not allow you to use your property the way you want during your lifetime.