Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Rancho Cordova, CA

WHAT HAPPENS IF I PASS AWAY WITHOUT A WILL? When a person passes away without a will or other estate planning tools in place, it can lead to a complex legal situation, called intestate succession. Intestate succession refers to the legal process of distributing the assets and property of a deceased person who did not leave a valid will. The outcome of this process varies depending on the jurisdiction of the court where the decedent lived and the specific circumstances of their estate. State Laws Without a will, the distribution of assets and property is typically governed by the laws of the state or country in which the person resided. These laws establish a hierarchy of beneficiaries, starting with the surviving spouse, children, parents, and other close relatives. The assets are usually divided among these beneficiaries based on predetermined formulas or percentages set by law. The absence of a will can lead to disputes among family members. Siblings, parents, and other relatives may have differing opinions on how the estate should be divided. This often strains relationships and leads to legal battles. Resolving these disputes can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining for all parties involved.