Dying without a will — called dying “intestate” — happens more often than people realize. And when it does, Massachusetts law decides what happens next.

 

Who decides where everything goes if you have no will?

 

Not your family. Not your spouse.

The state’s intestacy laws step in.

 

That can mean:

Assets distributed in ways you didn’t intend

Delays through probate court

Extra legal expenses

Stress for families in Brookline, Natick, Dover, Northampton, and Central Massachusetts

 

What about children if you have no will when you die?

 

If you have minor children and no will:

 

The court decides guardianship

Family members may disagree

Judges must make decisions without knowing your wishes

 

Probate delays without a will

 

Without a will, probate often:

 

Takes longer

Costs more

Creates unnecessary tension

 

A simple will can prevent many of these issues.

 

If you have questions or would like help with your estate plan, we’re happy to help. Give us a call at 508-202-1818.


Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

About Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP is the CEO and Founding Partner of O'Connell Law, an estate planning and elder law firm serving clients across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. She is one of a select group of attorneys in Massachusetts certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). Tiffany focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, Alzheimer's planning, charitable planning, and retirement and wealth strategies. She has been helping families plan for their futures since opening her practice in 2010.

Credentials: JD, LLM, CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney — National Elder Law Foundation), AEP (Accredited Estate Planner)

Licensed in: Massachusetts

Areas of Practice: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Alzheimer's Planning, Asset Protection

View all posts by Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP →

Comments are closed.