What happens if someone dies without a will?
If someone dies without a will, it is known as dying intestate. When someone dies intestate, the state laws of Washington will determine how the estate is divided up. The laws of intestacy in Washington are based on the Uniform Probate Code, which dictates that the estate passes on to the closest relatives. After funeral costs and debts are first paid, the estate will be divided among the surviving spouse and the descendants. If the deceased person was not married and had no children, then the estate passes to their parents. If the deceased had no surviving parents, then the estate goes to the person’s siblings. If they have no siblings, the estate will be divided among the deceased’s nieces and nephews. If the deceased had no surviving relatives and no will, then their property will belong to the state of Washington. Depending on the value of the estate, this can be avoided by initiating probate proceedings. This means that the estate is administered according to the laws of intestacy, which can help ensure the fair distribution of the property. It is important to understand that dying without a will comes with risks and can cause confusion among family members. It is always best to have a will in place to ensure that your estate goes to the people that you choose.
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