What happens if I die without a trust?

If you die without a trust in California, your assets will be distributed under the rules of intestate succession. Intestate succession is when a person dies without a will or trust in place. In this case, the state of California will determine how your property and possessions will be distributed. The rules of intestate succession in California state that if you are survived by a spouse, your spouse will receive all of your assets. If you are not survived by a spouse, your assets will be divided among your children, grandchildren, siblings, and parents. The state of California will also appoint someone to act as your estate representative in a process called probate. This person is responsible for collecting and managing your assets, paying your creditors, and distributing your property according to the rules of intestate succession. They may also have to sell some of your assets to pay off any debts or bills. Intestate succession can create a challenge for those who do not have a trust in place because they have to depend on the state law to determine how their assets will be distributed. The state law may not reflect the wishes of the deceased, and could possibly result in the estate being divided in an inequitable manner. Creating a trust ensures that your estate will be handled according to your wishes, and not the state’s.

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What happens if I die without a trust?

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