The Intestate Tragedy

Intestate succession is a process of distributing a person’s property when they die without a will. It can be a complicated and emotional process, particularly if loved ones are fighting for control over the estate. Significant problems arise when someone dies without leaving a will behind.

Your Wishes Are Not Honored

Any time a person dies without a will, a state’s intestacy laws will decide which family members receive what assets. That is a recipe for a domestic civil war. Relatives will argue over what should go to them, and self-interest takes control. It does not matter what the deceased intended initially. If there is no will, it is one person’s word against another regarding the estate.

Probate courts are typically impartial and only act according to the law, and the court will not take sides. That is the only good thing that comes out of the mess. Settling an estate that has no will is time-consuming and complicated. For example, instead of an executor, the court appoints an administrator. The administrator’s freedom of action is severely limited, and the court’s approval is needed for almost every decision. It may take months and even years for the estate to be resolved finally.

Loved ones suffer in the meantime. Probate court is not a cheap endeavor. The estate is billed for all types of services, and those fees cut into the overall value. Moreover, expenses such as tuition that could have been handled with the early estate settlement must be paid from other resources. The financial help that family members could use is denied until the estate is settled. That is not the only calamity.

Some Get Harmed

Some people who were near and dear to the deceased might be disinherited because there is no will. Probate court follows stringent rules, and somebody who is not a blood relative but who meant a lot to the deceased may end up with nothing. Children can be affected because minors will need guardians. The probate court will appoint a guardian if that is the case, and the guardian might not be the person the deceased wanted. That is unfortunate, but it is a real consequence. Group legal plans make it easy to have a will written. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services has seen the horrors that arise from a person passing away without leaving official instructions on what to do. Drafting simple wills is a benefit for our group legal plan members.

We Use the Best Lawyers

Our nationwide network of attorneys guarantees the client’s employees can access legal assistance. The attorneys provide excellent pre-paid legal services, and a Countrywide group legal plan member has priority status. A simple will is no more than six pages long, which is sufficient for most people. We do more than write the text.

A Countrywide lawyer is also a teacher. That legal expert will advise a group legal plan member on what is necessary for a will. Any questions a person might have are answered with courtesy and empathy. The executor is an essential actor in estate settling. Our attorneys will advise a group legal plan member on choosing an executor who will competently do the job. The attorney will also ensure that the will is recorded correctly and filed.