One of the most important lessons in life should be planning for the unexpected things in life. If you happen to own a considerable amount of property, you will want an arrangement whereby all those you care about getting your property receive their share the way that you would have wanted it to be. So writing a will while still alive is such a wise thing doing. In Pennsylvania, the laws require that the testator be 18 years and above as well as be mentally competent. Now, if you die without leaving a valid will, the PA intestacy laws determine how your property will be divided among your heirs following your death. Given the complications that come with passing on the property, you would want to talk with an estate planning lawyer Doylestown PA professional about your particular case to know what may crop up in case you die without leaving a valid will.
The intestacy laws vary based on whether you are single or married, or had children. In PA, your property is distributed to your heirs as laid out in your will. Heirs can include your siblings, surviving spouse, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and distance relatives. However, your property can go to the state if no relatives found.
If you die single with no children, your parents will be your inheritor if they are both alive. Where only one parent is surviving, the estate is distributed among your siblings and your living parent. If none of your parents is alive, the whole property is inherited by your siblings. If no surviving close relatives found, your property is divided between the relatives from the side of the mother and those from the side of the father.
Where you are single with children, the PA intestacy laws provide that your asset be divided among your children in equal shares. If you are married with no children, how your estate will be distributed will depend on whether it is community property or separate property. If community property, the entire estate will go to the surviving spouse. Separate property will, on the other hand, be divided among surviving spouse, siblings and parents.
If you had a family with children, your surviving spouse would be your sole inheritor. However, that happens if all your children are of the existing spouse. In the case where they are not, your surviving spouse gets up to a half of your property, and the rest go to your surviving partner or spouse.
The intestacy laws can be very devastating to couples who are living together but are not married. This because, the laws only recognize relatives in case the decent died without leaving a valid will. This means that unmarried couples cannot inherit property from each other if there is no will stating clearly the intention of the decedent.
Some states recognize domestic partnerships. Since special rules apply to domestic partners, it is important to consult an expert regarding the distribution of your property upon your death. If you die without a will, your domestic partner is entitled a share of your property same as a surviving spouse. Pennsylvania does not recognize domestic partnerships.
It is a wise thing to plan your property when you are still alive. This will ensure that your asset will be handled according to your wishes. Talk with an experienced lawyer to know what would happen if you die without a written will.
The intestacy laws vary based on whether you are single or married, or had children. In PA, your property is distributed to your heirs as laid out in your will. Heirs can include your siblings, surviving spouse, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and distance relatives. However, your property can go to the state if no relatives found.
If you die single with no children, your parents will be your inheritor if they are both alive. Where only one parent is surviving, the estate is distributed among your siblings and your living parent. If none of your parents is alive, the whole property is inherited by your siblings. If no surviving close relatives found, your property is divided between the relatives from the side of the mother and those from the side of the father.
Where you are single with children, the PA intestacy laws provide that your asset be divided among your children in equal shares. If you are married with no children, how your estate will be distributed will depend on whether it is community property or separate property. If community property, the entire estate will go to the surviving spouse. Separate property will, on the other hand, be divided among surviving spouse, siblings and parents.
If you had a family with children, your surviving spouse would be your sole inheritor. However, that happens if all your children are of the existing spouse. In the case where they are not, your surviving spouse gets up to a half of your property, and the rest go to your surviving partner or spouse.
The intestacy laws can be very devastating to couples who are living together but are not married. This because, the laws only recognize relatives in case the decent died without leaving a valid will. This means that unmarried couples cannot inherit property from each other if there is no will stating clearly the intention of the decedent.
Some states recognize domestic partnerships. Since special rules apply to domestic partners, it is important to consult an expert regarding the distribution of your property upon your death. If you die without a will, your domestic partner is entitled a share of your property same as a surviving spouse. Pennsylvania does not recognize domestic partnerships.
It is a wise thing to plan your property when you are still alive. This will ensure that your asset will be handled according to your wishes. Talk with an experienced lawyer to know what would happen if you die without a written will.
About the Author:
You can get a complete overview of the things to consider before picking an estate planning lawyer Doylestown PA area at http://shober-rock.com right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment