Intestate Succession: What Happens When You Die Without a Will?
Planning for the future is crucial, but what happens when someone passes away without a Will? This situation is called intestate succession, and it means that the state determines how the deceased person’s assets are distributed. If you don’t have a Will, your wishes may not be honored, and your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, delays, and legal battles.
We guide families through the complex intestate succession process and help individuals create estate plans to avoid the uncertainty of dying without a Will.
What Is Intestate Succession?
Intestate succession is the legal process that decides who inherits a deceased person’s assets when they die without a Will. Instead of distributing assets according to personal wishes, the state’s laws determine how property is divided.
Who Inherits Under Intestate Succession?
Each state has different intestacy laws, but typically, assets are distributed in the following order:
- Spouse and Children: In most cases, the surviving spouse and children inherit first. The share each receives depends on state laws.
- Parents: If there is no spouse or children, assets may go to the deceased’s parents.
- Siblings: If no parents are alive, siblings may inherit next.
- Extended Family: If no immediate family members exist, the estate may pass to grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins.
- The State: If no legal heirs are found, the assets may escheat (become property of the state).
Challenges of Dying Without a Will
Dying intestate can create significant complications for loved ones:
- Family Conflicts: Relatives may disagree on who should inherit, leading to legal disputes.
- Delays in Asset Distribution: Probate court must handle the estate, which can take months or even years.
- Higher Legal Fees: The longer probate takes, the more expensive it becomes for heirs.
- Unintended Beneficiaries: Assets may go to distant relatives instead of those you would have preferred.
- Lack of Guardianship for Minor Children: Without a Will, the court decides who will care for your children.
How We Can Help
At [Law Firm Name], we assist families with intestate succession by:
✅ Guiding them through the probate process to ensure assets are distributed correctly.
✅ Helping heirs claim their inheritance under state intestacy laws.
✅ Resolving family disputes that may arise over asset distribution.
✅ Assisting with estate planning to prevent intestate succession in the future.
Avoid Intestate Succession – Plan Today!
The best way to avoid the complications of intestate succession is to create a legally valid Will and estate plan. Don’t leave your family’s future in the hands of the state—take control of your legacy today.
📞 Contact us now to schedule a consultation and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Secure your loved ones’ future with proper estate planning!