What happens if I die without a will in the United States?

If you die without a will, you die "intestate," and your state's default succession law decides who inherits — not you. Typically assets pass to your closest relatives in a fixed order: spouse and children first, then parents, then siblings, and so on. The exact split varies by state; in some, a surviving spouse shares with the children rather than taking everything. A court also appoints an administrator and, critically, decides who raises your minor kids if both parents are gone. Intestacy ignores stepchildren, unmarried partners, friends, and charities entirely. The process is slower, more expensive, and more public than dying with a plan. The fix is straightforward: a valid will lets you choose your heirs, your executor, and guardians. A quick way to see your gaps is wealthserene.com/assessments/estate-readiness.