Los Altos Wills

Los Altos, CA. Wills

What happens if I die without a will?

If you don't make a will or use some other legal method to transfer your property when you die, state law will determine what happens to your property. Generally, it will go to your spouse and children or, if you have neither, to your other closest relatives. If no relatives can be found to inherit your property, it will go to the state.

In addition, in the absence of a will, a court will determine who will care for your young children and their property if the other parent is unavailable or unfit to do so.

If you are part of an unmarried same-sex couple, your surviving partner will not inherit anything unless you live in one of the few states that allows registered domestic partners to inherit like spouses: California, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont.

Can I use my will to name a guardian to care for my young children?

Yes. If both parents of a child die or become otherwise unable to care for a minor child, another adult -- called a "personal guardian" -- must step in. The personal guardian will be responsible for raising your children until they become legal adults. You and the child's other parent can use your wills to nominate someone to fill this position. To avert conflicts, you should both name the same person.

Taking inventory of your assets is a good place to start.

Your assets include your investments, retirement savings, insurance policies, and real estate or business interests. Ask yourself three questions: Whom do you want to inherit your assets? Whom do you want handling your financial affairs if you're ever incapacitated? Whom do you want making medical decisions for you if you become unable to make them for yourself?

See Also:

Los Altos Estate Planning
Los Altos Probate

Los Altos Trusts

Los Altos Wills

Disclaimer
We gladly provide the materials on this web page for informational purposes only. The information provided is a summary of important California related information, does not represent a complete discussion of the topics covered, does not relate to any particular person, entity, situation or occurrence, and does not constitute the formation of an attorney-client or other professional relationship.

The information provided does not constitute advertising, a solicitation, or legal advice. If you need assistance with a legal issue, you should seek advice from a licensed attorney in your state of jurisdiction. Kramer Radin, LLP expressly disclaims all liability relating to actions taken or not taken based on any or all materials on this web page.