Your Wishes
CONCERNING YOUR ASSETS
When you die without a will, the law of your state of residence determines how your assets will pass. An administrator is appointed and that person carries out the business of collecting your assets and distributing them to your next of kin – as the state law generally prescribes. So there is a “default setting” even if you don’t have a will, but it’s much easier for all those involved in this process if you have an estate planning attorney draw up a will outlining your wishes concerning how your assets pass at your death.