What happens if I don't have an estate plan?

If you don’t have an estate plan in Washington, it could create a variety of problems for you and your loved ones. The principal issue is the distribution of your assets upon death. In Washington, the state has a probate code that determines how your assets will be divided among your heirs. This probate code is based on a set of laws that some people may find confusing or inflexible. Without an estate plan, it would be difficult to pass on any assets to people other than your heirs, such as a charity or a friend. Also, you may not be able to designate a guardian for minor children, and a court may have to decide who has custody. In addition, failing to make an estate plan can be costly. If your assets are subject to the probate process, your estate may be required to pay legal, filing, and court fees. The executor of your estate will also be responsible for handling all of the paperwork and managing the details of the probate process. Finally, failing to make an estate plan leaves the distribution of your assets up to the courts. This means that, depending on the laws in your state, your assets may not go to the people or organizations you wanted to give them to. Making an estate plan can be complex, but it is well worth the effort to protect you and your family. An estate planning attorney can help you to create a plan that meets your needs and ensures your assets go to the people you care about.

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What happens if I don't have an estate plan?

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