I am single and don't have kids. If I haven't named any beneficiaries and I die, who gets my money by default?
Who is the beneficiary if you die single and without kids?
There's nothing like the holiday season to remind you how important it is to think ahead and make thoughtful decisions about how we want to leave the world. It makes us think about our end-of-life wishes, including who should be the beneficiary of our estates in case something happens to us before we get around to making a will.
What would happen if we die single and without children
In light of that, many of us are wondering what would happen if we die single and without children. So here's some information about who gets what if you die without a will or trust.
If you're single, your estate passes under the laws of intestacy. If you have any siblings (brothers or sisters) who are still alive, they'll inherit everything. If your parents are still alive, they'll inherit everything after your siblings pass away. If your grandparents are still alive, they'll inherit everything after your parents pass away.
Intestate succession laws
Your parents and siblings can decide amongst themselves who should receive what if it isn't clear which sibling should get what (for example, maybe you have an antique tea set that one of your siblings really loves), but they're not legally obligated to do so. If no one else is alive to receive anything, then the state gets your property according to its intestate succession laws.
If you don't have a will
Who will get your stuff when you die? You may think the answer is obvious: your closest family members get it—your parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. But if you've never gotten around to making a will, or if you haven't updated it in years, that's not necessarily the case.
If you have questions, you can get a free consultation with the Best Estate Lawyers.
Parklin Law - Estate Planning Lawyer
5772 W 8030 S, # N206
West Jordan UT 84081
(801) 618-0699
