What happens if I die without a trust?

If you die without a trust, the state takes over the management of your assets in what is known as the probate process. This process is supervised by the court and involves identifying and inventorying the deceased’s assets, paying the valid debts of the deceased, and distributing the remaining assets in accordance with the deceased’s will (if there is one). If the deceased did not have a will, the remaining assets are distributed according to the laws of intestate succession (which vary by state). In Washington, if the deceased was survived by a spouse, the spouse will receive the entire estate if the deceased had no surviving issue (children, grandchildren, etc.). If there are surviving issue, the spouse will receive the first $150,000 of the estate plus half of the remaining amount. The issue will receive the balance of the estate. If the deceased was not survived by a spouse, the entire estate will pass to the deceased’s issue. If there is no surviving issue, the estate will be given to the deceased’s parents, or if they are not living, to the deceased’s siblings. If there are no living parents, siblings, or issue, the estate will pass to the deceased’s grandparents or their descendants. If there are no living relatives, the estate will pass to the state.

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What happens if I die without a trust?

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