Tag: Estate Planning

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

Posted by Yee Law Group on

Estate Planning Lawyer

A will is a legal document that describes what you wish to happen to your possessions after your death, as well as a few other legal matters. However, what happens if someone dies without a will? It is a simple question, although many people do not know the answer. This guide will go over every aspect of this question.

Dying Without a Will

The first thing you need to understand is that the answer to this question depends heavily on which state you live in. The laws vary from one state to the next, which affects the specifics. However, the broad details are the same no matter which state you live in.

Generally, if someone dies without a will, their possessions will be distributed to that person’s living heirs. This is called dying intestate. The specific way the items are distributed does depend on your local laws. You should research intestate laws in your state or speak with an estate planning attorney. Many people think of children when they hear the word “heir,” but in this case it applies to:

  • Children
  • Spouses
  • Siblings
  • Parents
  • Extended family

In some cases, it may also apply to domestic partnerships, although only certain states acknowledge domestic partnerships. Generally, the state does not give any possessions to anyone who is not related to the deceased by blood or marriage.

There is usually an order which the state follows. Sometimes a person’s spouse will receive all the possessions. If there is no spouse, living children are next in line. Without any children or a spouse, siblings and parents will usually receive the possessions equally. Extended relatives are the next ones in line after siblings and parents. If you die without a will and no living relatives, children, parents, or spouse, the state will usually claim the possessions.

Create a Will for Yourself

It is not hard to make a will for yourself and it is very important to do so. Everyone should have a will to ensure your final wishes are carried out. A will does more than just designate what should happen with your possessions. It handles a few other legal matters as well, which is just another reason to have one. The easiest way to create a will is to visit an estate planning attorney. In most cases, an estate planning attorney can create a will for you in just a few visits for a relatively small fee. Take the initiative now to be prepared for later.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Mental Health and Estate Planning

Posted by Yee Law Group on

As estate planning attorneys, it is difficult to see families struggling to interact with an elderly parent or other loved one whose personality has shifted dramatically in a relatively short period of time. Whereas the person used to be outgoing, warm, and friendly, now the same individual is irritable, secretive, and quick to anger. Sadly, some people assume the family member simply doesn’t want to see them anymore and break off contact as a result.

What many people fail to realize is that sudden personality shifts can be a sign of serious mental health distress. Learning to recognize the signs of deteriorating mental health can help you address your loved one’s needs early, which can potentially minimize dangers to their safety and well-being. It can also help you take care of critical estate planning issues before the person becomes incapacitated.

Most people don’t like to confront the possibility of no longer being able to look after their own finances and personal matters. If you delay planning your estate, however, you risk leaving your financial concerns and health care decisions in the hands of the court. The following are among the most common forms of mental health problems in older adults.

Dementia

Dementia takes many forms, although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Dementia can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as depression, delusions, and delirium. Early signs of dementia include memory loss, difficulty with speech (such as struggling to find a common word), inability to plan, and poor motor function. Dementia is sometimes overlooked when adult children and caregivers naturally step in to offer assistance to an aging family member. Thus, the senior’s difficulties go unnoticed by others who might not spend as much time around the person.

It’s also important to be aware that Alzheimer’s disease is not limited to the elderly. The Alzheimer’s Associations reports that up to five percent of individuals with the disease are in their 40s or 50s.

Delirium

Delirium is usually induced by medication or a reaction to anesthesia used during a surgical procedure. It can be subtle, making it easy to miss. Many health professionals mistake it for dementia because they assume an elderly patient is just confused. If you notice your loved one struggling with an inability to focus his or her attention on a task or experiencing hallucinations or paranoia, medication might be the culprit. Fortunately, medication-induced delirium is usually reversible, but catching it early is key to your loved one making a full recovery.

Depression

Depression is a largely silent mental health epidemic among our nation’s elderly population, with women more likely to suffer from it. According to WebMD, late-life depression affects 6 million Americans over the age of 65. In some cases, depression can cause a person to make poor decisions or experience rapidly declining health.
Older generations who were raised not to speak of mental health concerns are often reluctant to seek help for depression. You can help increase the chances of your loved one getting necessary treatment by maintaining an ongoing dialogue about his or her feelings and daily attitude. If you sense your loved one withdrawing, don’t wait to address it.