What happens if you die before you sign your will. Who gets what?

People frequently wonder what will happen if they die intestate – that is, without a will.  Don’t worry, the state has written a will for you, but it just may not be the one you want.  

The following is a summary of that state-authored will:

• If you are married and have children under the age of 18, your estate is split between your spouse and your kids.  Your kids receive their shares when they reach their 18th birthdays, and nobody supervises how they spend the money.

• If you are married and have kids who are 18 years or older, your assets are divided between your spouse and children.

• If you are married and don’t have kids, your assets are divided between your spouse and your parents (if they are still living).  If your parents have died, your estate goes to your spouse.

• If you are single but have children, your assets are given to your children.

• If you are single and childless, your assets are divided among your siblings and parents, depending on who is alive.