When a person dies, their Will is validated, debts are paid, and assets are distributed. This is known as the probate process. Probate in Idaho must be open for at least six months and can potentially takes years to close. This means that beneficiaries may not receive assets for a very long time.
Retirement accounts, however, can avoid the probate process entirely. This is done by naming beneficiaries, who can inherit the retirement account when the owner dies, instead of months or years later. When retirement accounts name beneficiaries properly, this also means that creditors cannot claim the funds to collect debts.