INTESTACY
Assets of a decedent can be subject to probate whether the decedent died with a will or without a will. When a person dies with a last will and testament that names a living personal representative or existing entity and disposes of all probate assets, then that person dies “testate” and their wishes as expressed in their last will and testament will be incorporated into the probate process. If a person dies without any last will and testament, then that person dies “intestate” and the laws of intestacy will dictate what happens to the assets that are subject to probate. Where there is a will that does not name a living or existing personal representative, or all of the assets are not disposed of by the will, you can have a partial intestacy. In some cases the decedent’s wishes are identical to the law of intestacy, in other cases it is not. The best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out upon your death is for you to execute a last will and testament. Click here to learn more about probate and intestacy.