Death is a difficult topic for many families to address. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most common occurrences that throw families into legal proceedings. When a Fort Lauderdale resident dies, their estate must be managed and distributed in accordance with the laws of the state.
A will is a powerful tool that can direct the disposition of a decedent’s assets, and it requires an individual to meet certain criteria regarding its execution before their death. When a person dies without a will, their estate will go through probate and be subject to the state’s laws of intestate succession.
This post will discuss intestate succession and how it can impact families. It is not intended to resolve or answer legal questions or provide advice. All estate planning matters should be discussed with Florida-based estate planning attorneys.
Intestate succession: A review
The laws of intestate succession are intended to provide instruction on how to distribute an estate if there is no will. Often, much of a decedent’s property, if not all of it, will pass to their surviving spouse. If they outlive their spouse, their children and grandchildren would generally be the next to inherit from their end-of-life estate.
Complications can arise during probate of an estate when familial conflicts, questions, and problems arise. Children from different relationships, deaths, family rifts may impact the satisfaction and outcome individuals experience with the process. To avoid dealing with intestate succession, families can ensure that their estate plans are accurate and up to date.
Get help early
Estate planning is a difficult topic but a necessary part of planning for an uncertain future. Individuals with estate plans give their families direction on their intentions and tools for effectively managing their estates. There is no better time than the present to begin working on one’s estate plan. Preparation can take the difficulties of uncertainty away during families’ difficult times.
