What happens if I die without a trust?

If you die without a trust in Nebraska, your assets will go through the process called probate. Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of someone who has died. This process requires the court to determine the validity of the will, if one exists, and then to oversee the distribution of the assets of the deceased person to their heirs. If you do not have a will, Nebraska state law will determine how your assets are distributed. The laws of intestacy say that your spouse and children will receive a share of your estate, although the exact amount depends on the number of heirs and the size of your estate. If you have no spouse or children, then your parents, siblings, and other descendants may be entitled to a portion of your estate. Without a trust, the probate process can be both long and expensive. During the process, the court evaluates the claims to the estate and typically appoints a personal representative to manage the estate. The personal representative is responsible for gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate according to the terms of the will or the intestacy laws. Having a trust in place can help you avoid this expensive and time-consuming process. A trust is a legal document that transfers ownership of your assets to another person or entity to manage for the benefit of you and/or your beneficiaries. It is an important tool to ensure that your assets are handled according to your wishes.

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What happens if I die without a trust?

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