What happens to an estate if there is no will?

If an individual in Massachusetts dies without having a will, it is called dying intestate. This means that the estate will be distributed in accordance with the laws of the state, as opposed to being distributed according to the wishes of the deceased, as it would be with a will. In Massachusetts, intestate property is distributed to the next of kin in the following order: 1. Spouse 2. Children 3. Parents 4. Brothers and sisters 5. Grandparents 6. Aunts and uncles 7. Cousins If there is no living relative of the deceased, then the estate will be administered by the state. The state may also receive a portion of the estate if there are any outstanding debts or taxes that must be paid from the estate. It is important to understand that if a person dies without a will, the court may have to make decisions about how to distribute the assets. This is a lengthy process and often leads to disagreement between family members. It is important to note that estate planning law is complicated and can have many unforeseen consequences. For this reason, it is advisable for all Massachusetts residents to create a will in order to ensure that their wishes are honored upon their death regardless of their family situation. A qualified estate planning attorney can help ensure that all necessary documents are in place to protect an individual’s wishes.

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What happens to an estate if there is no will?

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