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When you create a will, you do so with the intention of dying at some point in the future. Of course, no one wants to think about their own death; however, creating a will is one of the best ways to make sure that your assets go to the people you want to inherit them. To that end, if you die without leaving a valid will, the probate process for your estate can be quite lengthy and expensive. The process of probate involves proving that there is no valid will and ensuring that all of your assets are distributed according to state law. This article details what happens if you don’t have a will or your will doesn’t cover all of your assets. Read on for more information.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?
If you die without leaving a will, the state will decide who will inherit your assets. This process is known as probate and is the most common way of distributing assets without a will. The probate process varies between states, but in general, it involves a court-appointed officer identifying and valuing all of your assets, followed by the distribution of those assets according to state law. This means that the assets might go to people you didn’t intend to receive them. This is particularly common in situations where a couple is married but doesn’t have a prenuptial agreement in place. If one spouse dies without leaving a will, the other will inherit everything.
Probate for an estate with a will
If the deceased has left a will, the probate process is a lot simpler because the will has laid out exactly how the assets should be distributed. If there is a will, the probate process simply involves verifying that it is valid and following the instructions laid out in the will. This process is usually completed within a few months.
The Process of Probate When There Is No Will
If there is no will, the probate of will process is a lot more complicated. This is because the court will have to decide who should receive the assets. A probate judge will appoint an executor to manage the process. The executor will identify and value all of the assets and then distribute them according to state law. This means that the assets might go to people you didn’t intend to receive them.
The Importance of a Living Trust
If you create a living trust, this document can be used to distribute your assets if you die without leaving a will. The living trust essentially acts as a will, with the main difference being that it can be created while you’re still alive. A living trust allows you to designate who will receive your assets if you die without a will. In doing so, you can be absolutely certain that your assets go to the people you want to inherit them.
Summing up
A will is designed to distribute your assets when you die. If you don’t have a will, a probate court will distribute them according to state law. The best way to ensure that your assets go to the people you want to inherit them is to create a living trust. A living trust can be used to distribute your assets if you die without a will. The living trust essentially acts as a will, with the main difference being that it can be created while you’re still alive.
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