The Law Office of Dallas Lain

What happens if you die without a will? First, let’s clear up some terminology lawyers and estate planners use:

• If you die intestate, that means you died without a will. A person who dies intestate will be called the decedent.

• If you die testate, that means you had a will. Someone who dies with a will is usually referred to as the testator.

So, if you die intestate, is it any different from dying testate? If you are young and single, or a married person with a young family, it might  not seem like there would be much of a difference between the two. But, this is not the case. If you die intestate, your money and other property will be distributed in accordance with the Wyoming Statutes. This distribution may or may not be what you wish.

• You might want to leave a donation to your church or other charitable or non-profit organization. The Wyoming Statutes don’t provide for that.

• If you have children, you might want to have some money or property available to your children only when they reach, shall we say a more mature age than 18 years. The Wyoming Statutes don’t provide for that.

• If you have no children, you might want one of your siblings to have a particular piece of property, maybe a car, a motorcycle, some tools, or a piece of jewelry. The Wyoming Statutes don’t provide for that.

In short, the Wyoming Statues more than likely do not provide for your wishes. Only you can do that, by putting your wishes into your will.

Related posts:

1. Wyoming Estate Planning Basics: Can you use a handwritten will?
2. Wyoming Estate Planning Basics: How do you make a valid will?
3. You Need a Plan–Durable Power of Attorney
4. You Need A Plan
5. You Need a Plan–Advance Health Care Directive

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