In the described scenario with a will that leaves all property to X, but nonprobate devices named to Z, which asset does X receive?

• A. The household furniture and furnishings.
• B. The leather sofa.
• C. All assets.
• D. None.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the will only controls assets that pass through probate, while nonprobate devices bypass the will and go directly to the named beneficiaries. In this scenario, some assets are earmarked for Z through nonprobate arrangements, so those assets don’t pass to X at all. The assets that do pass through the will—i.e., the probate assets not designated to Z—go to X. The household furniture and furnishings are typically probate assets unless they’re tied up in a nonprobate transfer, so they would go to X. The leather sofa, if it’s the item designated to Z via a nonprobate device, would not go to X. Therefore, X receives the household furniture and furnishings.