Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: Intestate

Thanks for your email. In general, the consequences of not having a will include the following:

(1) Not having property pass to persons as you wish;

(2) Public disclosure of property you own at the time of death, and finances at the time of death; and

(3) Admission of your estate to probate (with probate fees and court filing fees).

There is a simplified procedure for small estates, which is measured at the time of death. This may save some of the probate fees (not the court filing fees), but does not change the other problems.

I would strongly recommend that you prepare a simple will, which would be ensure that property passes as you wish, to whom you wish.

If you have any questions, please email or call me at 1-877-568-2977.