⚠️ What Happens If You Die Without a Will or Trust?
⚠️ What Happens If You Die Without a Will or Trust?
🛑 No Will, No Trust… Now What?
It’s a situation many families face—and never expect:
A loved one dies suddenly… and there’s no will or living trust in place.
What happens next?
• The courts step in
• The process is public and slow
• Assets may not go to the right people
• Family disputes and legal bills pile up
The truth is: if you die without an estate plan, the state has one for you—and you may not like how it works.
🏛️ What the State Does When There’s No Plan (a.k.a. “Dying Intestate”)
When you die intestate (without a will or trust), your estate goes through probate, and a judge decides:
• Who receives your property
• Who becomes guardian of your children
• Who handles your affairs
It doesn’t matter what you would have wanted. If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t count.
In Illinois, for example, the probate process follows strict legal rules—not personal preferences. Your spouse may not inherit everything. Your children may receive a share. And non-family (like a partner or friend)? They get nothing.
😒 Real Consequences of Dying Without a Plan
• Delays: Probate can take 6–18 months—or longer if contested
• Costs: Legal fees and court costs can eat up 5–10% of your estate
• Stress: Family members may fight over property, guardianship, or final wishes
• Lack of privacy: Your estate becomes a public court record
• Wrong people inherit: If you’re unmarried, your partner may be left with nothing
🛡️ How a Living Trust Solves the Problem
A revocable living trust allows you to:
✅ Name your beneficiaries
✅ Avoid probate entirely
✅ Keep your affairs private
✅ Appoint guardians for your children (with a companion will)
✅ Plan for incapacity—not just death
It’s a powerful way to take control of your legacy—and protect your family from chaos.
✅ The Simple Way to Take Control
The best way to avoid all of this? Create a valid estate plan.
With LegalZoom, you can complete a comprehensive estate plan online—on your schedule, without expensive legal bills.
Their estate planning bundle includes:
• A legally binding Living Trust
• A Last Will and Testament
• Power of Attorney documents
• Advance Healthcare Directive
• Easy online questionnaire—no legal jargon
🧑⚖️ Need Legal Help? Add Attorney Support
If you want expert guidance, LegalZoom offers an attorney-assisted plan that connects you with a licensed estate planning attorney.
You’ll get:
• Direct legal advice on your estate plan
• A customized strategy for your situation
• Review of your documents by a professional
• Peace of mind knowing it’s done right
This is ideal for:
• Blended families
• Business owners
• Complex assets
• Anyone unsure where to start
💡 Don’t Leave It to the Courts
If you don’t take action, the state will make decisions for you—decisions that may not reflect your values or protect your loved ones.
But when you create a will or trust, you decide:
• Who inherits your assets
• Who raises your children
• Who makes decisions if you can’t
• What kind of legacy you leave behind
🖥️ How to Get Started with LegalZoom
Creating a will or living trust with LegalZoom takes less than 30 minutes:
1. Answer simple questions about your family and assets
2. Generate your personalized estate planning documents
3. Print, sign, and notarize to make it legally binding
4. (Optional) Add attorney support for expert guidance
💵 Flat fee pricing—no hidden costs
🔒 Secure, confidential, and legally valid in all 50 states
👉 Start your estate plan with LegalZoom today
📍 Local Support for Illinois Residents
If you’re in Arlington Heights, IL 60004, AJS Notary Mobile, LLC will come to your home and notarize your documents so they’re legally valid.
📞 Call (847) 201-4741
📧 Email ajsnotarymobile@gmail.com
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