Dying intestate (without a will) leaves your heirs with a potential mess. And yet, 64% of Americans die without one, says a recent Harris Interactive poll for RocketLawyer, a legal website. The number one reason people haven’t created a will is that they haven’t gotten around to it yet, say 55% of those surveyed.
Without a will, a probate court decides where your property goes; it can take months—sometimes years. Money you intended for heirs and good causes may go to pay lawyers.
Do you have young children? If your will doesn’t name their guardians, a court will do it. And what about Fido and the kitties? Their future is up for grabs if your will doesn’t spell it out.