We already discussed that the courts will choose guardians for your minor children, and select attorneys and accountants to serve as administrators for your estate when you don't have a will. There are also rules that each state follows on who gets your assets when there is no valid will. These rules are called the "laws of intestacy." Generally, your spouse will get your probate estate outright or share it with your children.
Sample Intestacy Rules
Although each state is different, a person might have his or her estate divided in the following order without a valid will:
The rules are different for every state so make sure you check with your attorney to get the specifics.
Nightmares Without a Proper Will
A will is an important document. Without a will, look at what could happen in the following situations:
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