Dying Without A Will

If you die intestate, you let your state write your will for you.

As we've already mentioned, every state has laws that will distribute your property if you die without a will. These are called the laws of intestate succession, or descent and distribution. They're the state's way of trying to decide what you probably would have done with your property if you had made a will. In essence, intestate succession is the state's way of writing your will for you.

Unfortunately, these laws cannot take into account the many differences people experience in their feelings toward the "natural objects of their bounty." The laws of intestate succession assume you love your children equally, and so each of them gets an equal share in your estate. They don't distinguish between the child who gives you respect and lives in a way that makes you proud to be his parent and the child that's ignored you, been disrespectful to you, or failed to live up to your expectations. The laws of intestate succession don't know about the next door neighbor who has helped you paint your house, fed and cared for your children when you were sick, listened to your problems, and who is closer to you than your own brother or sister. So no matter how fair these laws try to be, they can never be as fair as you can be yourself. By taking the time to write your own will, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that things will be handled as you want them to be.