Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Providence, RI

Do you know what happens to your estate if pass without any estate planning documents (intestate)? I recently had a client whose wife passed away without any estate planning documents or named beneficiaries, the husband thought he would receive the entire estate, but based on the Rhode Island intestacy laws he was obligated to share the estate with their estranged children. If a decedent passed away with a surviving spouse and children, the intestacy laws in Rhode Island gives the spouse a life estate interest in any real estate, or up to the first 150k of the value of the real estate and 1/2 of the personal property. The remainder of the estate is inherited by the children. Although this may not have been the couple's wish, they weren't protected by an estate plan, which meant the state laws decided their plan. If you're unsure how your assets will be divided or have certain wishes outside of the state laws, it's imperative to talk with an estate planning attorney. I'm happy to answer your questions and help you create a plan that honors your wishes.