How should I distribute my assets if I don't have a will?
If you do not have a will, distributing your assets can become very complicated and it is important to understand the New York laws that govern the estate planning process. In New York, if you die without a will, your assets are distributed according to what is known as ‘intestate succession’. Under this type of succession, your assets will go to your closest relatives. If you are married, the majority of your assets will go to your spouse, with some assets passing to your children. If you have children but no spouse, the majority of your assets will go to your children in equal shares. If you have no spouse or children, your assets will go to your parents, or if they are not alive, your siblings. If you have no siblings, your estate will be divided among your grandparents or any other living relatives. If you do not have any living relatives, your assets will go to the state of New York and be used for public purposes. It is therefore very important to make sure that your assets are formally distributed according to your wishes, either through a will or other type of estate planning document. Consulting an experienced lawyer is the best way to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
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