No will? No way! Here's why you need one.

A will gives you control over your estate, even after death. (Photo courtesy The Law Offices of Andrea Gross)

By Marjorie Rogers, paralegal

A will is a legal document that outlines how a person wishes to distribute their belongings to their loved ones upon death. 

Even if you have discussed inheritance with your loved ones in advance, without a will, the state decides how to distribute your assets upon death. Therefore, a will is crucial to ensure your estate is handled according to your interests. 

What happens if somebody dies without a will?

If somebody dies without a will, this is known as dying intestate. If you die intestate, the state usually distributes assets to your spouse first, then to your children. The state also decides which children get which assets.

There is no one-size-fits-all, however. Here is a general guide to intestate asset distribution, as outlined by the New York State Unified Court System:

photo courtesy nycourts.gov. 

Who should have a will? 

Anybody with assets should have a will to protect their estate in the event of an unforeseen death. It is even more important to have a will if you have a spouse or children. If you would like your children to receive parts of your estate before your spouse, or if you would like a particular asset to go to a specific child, a will is the only way to legally guarantee this.

The bottom line

The only way to legally protect your final wishes is to create a will. Our experienced legal team will carefully and personally guide you through the will preparation process to ensure all of your wishes are protected, right down to the tiny details. Click the button below to connect with us.