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Learn about last wills and testaments - how they work, what they cover, and when you need one. Discover the basics of will-based estate planning.
If you die without a will, your state's intestacy laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not match your wishes. The court appoints an administrator to handle your estate, and your assets typically go to your closest relatives in a predetermined order set by state law. This process can take longer, cost more, and create family conflicts since the distribution follows legal formulas rather than your personal preferences.