Your client has an estate valued at $$3$ million. Two months ago, his wife died. He and his deceased wife did not have any children together, but she had two children from a prior marriage. His will, drafted in $2007,$ leaves everything to his wife. Nocontingent beneficiary is named in the will, and it does not contain a residuary clause.

Included in the client's estate are real estate holdings in three other states. He wants to retain lifetime ownership of these properties because of the income they provide him. He would like the real estate holdings to pass to his wife's children in equal shares upon his death. He would like the remainder of his estate to go to his brother.

Which of the following are serious estate planning pitfalls that can be avoided if your client amends his will to carry out his objectives?

Having the estate pass under the laws of intestacy

Having the estate assets distributed through probate

Having the estate pay any estate tax

Having part of the estate pass to unintended beneficiaries