How Does Probate Work When There Is No Will?
How does probate work when there is no will?
If you die without a will, your estate goes into "probate." This means that your property must pass through an administrative system that determines who gets what. If there is no will, the laws of your state determine how your property is distributed based on certain factors. These circumstances are called intestacy. For example, if you have children, they will inherit everything (if any) if there is no will. If you have a spouse or any other family members with children, they will inherit as well. But if you don't have any living relatives at all, then your possessions get "escheated," which means they go to the state of California.
There are exceptions to this rule, though. Some states allow for items to be set aside for specific individuals or groups—such as in the case of family heirlooms—and some states may also allow for charitable donations or perhaps even some cash left over after paying off debts. but there are limits on how much can go where.
When someone dies, the probate process begins when the person (or their designated executor) submits an application to the Probate Court. It is an official process that takes time, and is costly. However, in most cases it's worth it because it avoids potential legal problems such as disagreements among heirs, lawsuits, or even the distribution of assets to unintended beneficiaries.
If you have any questions or need a Probate Lawyer, please call this law firm for a free consultation.
Ascent Law LLC
8833 S Redwood Road Suite C
West Jordan UT 84088
(801) 676-5506
