According to the old-time sayings, death, as well as tax, are the only things that are certain. Although we pay taxes annually, many people fail to plan for their deaths. Death is horrible that many people don’t even want to think of it. If you continue reading here, you will unearth what a field survey has come up with for a large number of Americans who die without even an estate planning. After their deaths, their properties are left without no sense of direction. Here are some tips of what happens when people die without writing a will.
The main hint of what happens when people die without writing a will is dependent on where they live. The person will be termed as an intestate. The possessions of such a party is often left under the watch of a probate court. In case you read more here, you will understand what the law states about the possessions of properties left intestate. You should note that all the laws governing such scenarios vary from one state to the other.
The place the deceased person lived will determine what happens to their possessions. The size of the possessions left behind will determine the severity of the law. For instance, small estates fall in the category of people who died without any property and their total possessions are usually less than $100,000. This is a practical scenario that happens to senior people who may have sold all their wealth to cater for medical bills. A similar scenario is also true to a young citizen who may have not accumulated any wealth. The law requires that the remaining family members file a declaration claiming this property for use. In case the deceased did not have any heir, the claimant is supposed to support his or her relationship through an affidavit. The entire process of dealing with cases of people who die and leave homes and other assets whose worth exceeds $100,000 becomes complex as explained on this website.
Another hint of what happens when someone passes away without writing a will depends on their survivors. Laws governing such cases will be determined depending on whether the person left behind a wife, domestic partner or a number of surviving children. The rule of hierarchy plays a vital role in sub-dividing this property. In short, the entire property will be handed over to the spouse. Children may also be given the second chance of the spouse is not there. It is worth reading to discover more how the law applies in the relationship hierarchy of the deceased person. You may continue reading here and learn more.