If someone dies without a Will, what happens?
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If someone dies without a Will, what happens?
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Asked on January 2, 2017 under Estate Planning, Connecticut
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
If someone dies without a Will, they are said to have died "intestate". Accordingly, the intestacy laws of the state in which the deceased was domiciled at the time of their death will control. Generally, a family member or close friend will make application to the county probate court to be appointed as the "Personal Representative" of the estate (it's like an executor when there's no Will). Once appointed, that individual will administer the estate - pay off bills/debts, maintain estate assets and ultimately distribut those assets to the heirs (who will share them equally).
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