Intestacy and probate

Intestacy occurs if someone dies without a valid will. In this case, the estate goes to probate and is distributed according to the state's intestacy laws.

What happens if you die intestate (without a will)?

by attorney Stephen A. Mendel

If you don't have a will, the court appoints a personal representative to handle the distribution of your property. This guide explains how that process works.

Intestacy and probate

Featured articles

How does probate without a will work?

What happens if you die intestate (without a will)?

Do I need a will? Do I need to update my will?

Recently asked questions

During Probate, do I have to let the administrator of the estate inside the home without at least a proper 24 hr notice?

Do Florida Title companies need to see trust document to see who the known heirs are of a property going through probate?

Can a co representative ask to be paid for there time for doing there part for a person's estate?

If my father passed away in FL without a Will and was married to my step mom can she deny me access to his personal belongings ?

How how do I go about claiming a part in my deceased fiance's estate I've been with him seven years?

My mom died intestate but has an inheritance from her sister who she survived. How do I set up an estate account at the bank ?

Repost from a confusing question about two brothers and next if kin regarding inheritance

Two brothers. One brother has no other relatives other than his brother his brother is married and his wife passes away

I want to know in case if my husband pass?

Do we have legal standing in a Property case against our uncle since we have all original taxes & what court forms do we file?

Related topics

Ask your own legal question, it's free

Legal Guides

5 Reasons Not to Die Intestate

Probate in Washington

Mother Died--No Will. One Kid Wants to Sell House and Two Do Not- What to Do?

How Do I Obtain Ownership of Land from Deceased Grandparents?

Authorized Person on Bank Account- Who Gets the Money?

How to Make Sure Your Family Has Access to Assets Immediately If Something Happens to You

Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked

Parents Died from COVID-19 - No Wills - But Left Emails for Me to Inherit Home. Is this Legal?

Probate In Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions

Why You Should Never Keep a Will in a Safe Deposit Box

Resources

Sponsored Listings

Find Intestacy and probate lawyers by top cities

Intestacy and probate

Featured articles

How does probate without a will work?

What happens if you die intestate (without a will)?

Do I need a will? Do I need to update my will?

Recently asked questions

During Probate, do I have to let the administrator of the estate inside the home without at least a proper 24 hr notice?

Do Florida Title companies need to see trust document to see who the known heirs are of a property going through probate?

Can a co representative ask to be paid for there time for doing there part for a person's estate?

If my father passed away in FL without a Will and was married to my step mom can she deny me access to his personal belongings ?

How how do I go about claiming a part in my deceased fiance's estate I've been with him seven years?

My mom died intestate but has an inheritance from her sister who she survived. How do I set up an estate account at the bank ?

Repost from a confusing question about two brothers and next if kin regarding inheritance

Two brothers. One brother has no other relatives other than his brother his brother is married and his wife passes away

I want to know in case if my husband pass?

Do we have legal standing in a Property case against our uncle since we have all original taxes & what court forms do we file?

Related topics

Ask your own legal question, it's free

Legal Guides

5 Reasons Not to Die Intestate

Probate in Washington

Mother Died--No Will. One Kid Wants to Sell House and Two Do Not- What to Do?

How Do I Obtain Ownership of Land from Deceased Grandparents?

Authorized Person on Bank Account- Who Gets the Money?

How to Make Sure Your Family Has Access to Assets Immediately If Something Happens to You

Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked

Parents Died from COVID-19 - No Wills - But Left Emails for Me to Inherit Home. Is this Legal?

Probate In Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions

Why You Should Never Keep a Will in a Safe Deposit Box

Resources

Sponsored Listings

Find Intestacy and probate lawyers by top cities

Avvo Rating

What determines Avvo Rating?

Experience & background

Legal community recognition

Legal thought leadership

Discipline

Avvo Rating levels