if a family member is specifically left the house in the will, does it necessarily include the contents (furniture, etc.)?

No, the house and its contents are not automatically included together in probate. The house is considered real property. The contents are considered personal property. They are separate issues – considered differently, valued differently and disbursed differently. But if there is proof (like documentation, witnesses, etc.) that she meant it to include the other things, you never know in a court battle! Take a lesson from this. When drawing up your own Will or Trust, talk with your lawyer about specifically including provisions for disbursement of your personal property. To Your Success, Gale Allison, Principal AttorneyAllison Firm, PLLChttp://www.theallisonfirm.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/galeallison.com