Sitting down to work with a Pasadena estate planning attorney is one of the best ways to discuss your primary concerns and questions to plan for your own future. Inheritance laws do apply if a person has not undertaken the necessary steps to document their estate plan. This is because their estate must still be settled through the probate process, including gathering all of their assets and distributing them to applicable beneficiaries.
California inheritance laws state that if a person passes away without a will, their estate goes to their spouse. However, if the deceased was not married at the time of their death, then children are the next to receive these assets. If the deceased had no children, succession then goes to parents and then siblings and then grandparents, ultimately ending with extended family. If their spouse preceded them in death and they have no individual relatives, the spouse’s relatives may be named as successors. If no eligible people apply in this line, then the estate is turned over to the state of California.
Depending on the scope of your estate, it can be overwhelming for someone to take on the position of personal representative unless they are already familiar with what’s required. A conversation with this person is recommended so they feel confident in stepping into this position. You should also make it easy for them to find your key documents and/or to contact your estate planning lawyer and other involved professionals.
For more peace of mind over your own estate planning process, set up a time to work with our Pasadena estate planning attorneys. We can guide you through this process today.
