What is the ideal method to bequeath to those you love your property upon death, a will, distribute before death, or/and both and why?

Through exposure and learned information, I see the benefit of doing all three. In some states, inheritance taxes will eat an inheritance into minimal dollars left. Then in some cases, the heirs are ungrateful. I have found those assets that yield immediate dollar value (bank accounts) is best given before death or to make a beneficiary POD (paid on death). As for houses, property, stocks, if the beneficiary is on the paperwork it gives them ownership (no inheritance tax complication). In my opinion and my decision making, the combination of all three yields a greater benefit to the survivors. BUT ALWAYS SEEK LEGAL ADVICE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SET OF CRITERIA because there are cases where trusts come into necessity.