If you die without a will, your estate could be distributed according to the intestacy laws; but generally, they provide for your assets to be distributed to your closest living relatives, such as your spouse, children, parents, or siblings, in a specific order of priority.
If you do not have any living relatives, your assets may be passed on to the state. Dying without a will can also lead to disputes among family members or loved ones who may have different opinions about how your assets should be distributed.
In addition to the distribution of assets, dying without a will can also result in other unintended consequences, such as:
- The court appointing an executor or personal representative of your estate instead of someone you would have chosen.
- A judge deciding who will become guardian of your minor children rather than someone you trust.
- Your assets being distributed in a way that does not align with your wishes or priorities.
To avoid these and other potential consequences of dying without a will, it is recommended that you create a will that accurately reflects your wishes for your assets and other important decisions, such as who should care for your minor children.
See Do I Need a Lawyer to Draft My Will? For more information