A will may save on taxes and other expenses involved in settling the estate. Their estates will be split up according to the laws of their home state. The state's way of dividing the estate may not be how you or the impaired person would choose. It might also not be the way that best meets the needs of your family. Should the husband and wife die at the same time, the entire estate is divided equally among the children.
Minor children become wards of the state until guardians and trustees are appointed.
If a person dies without leaving a surviving spouse or children, the estate goes to any living relatives, excluding any in-laws or their offspring. If a person dies without living relatives, the entire estate goes to the state. Lack of a will may result in increased settlement costs and taxes. It may also cause needless delays in settlement. How to write a will E ach state has its own rules about writing a will and how to assure that a will is valid.