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Intestate

Explore how intestate succession laws affect estate distribution when someone passes away without a will, highlighting its impact on family legacies.

How does dying intestate impact the distribution of your assets?

When someone dies intestate, meaning without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to their state’s intestate succession laws. These laws typically prioritize distributing assets to the closest living relatives, such as a spouse and children, which may not align with the deceased's personal wishes. Intestate succession can complicate matters, particularly in blended families or when non-relatives are intended to inherit. By understanding the implications of dying intestate, families can be more proactive in estate planning to ensure their loved ones and assets are handled according to their desires.