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What Happens If You Don't Have an Estate Plan?

Posted on October 12, 2022

Everyone with assets should have an estate plan, including a will, power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney (at minimum). Creating a plan ensures your wishes are executed upon your death.

Other benefits of creating a will include:

  • Reduce taxes paid by your beneficiaries
  • Protect your assets for your family, including the next generation and beyond
  • Protect your assets from unwanted creditors
  • Provide for disabled family members
  • Deal with blended families, second marriages, etc.
  • Avoid intestate costs and property distribution

"Intestate" means a person dies without creating a will. Pennsylvania law dictates what happens to your assets should you be intestate.

The following chart shows what happens to your estate if you die intestate in Pennsylvania. (20 Pa C.S. § 2102 - 2103)

Summary of Intestacy for Pennsylvania

We can help you customize a plan based on your specific situation and what is most important to you and your family.

Contact us at 814-459-2800 to schedule a free evaluation and to learn how we can help craft an appropriate estate plan for you.

Kenzie P.Ryback

Kenzie P. Ryback

Kenzie P. Ryback concentrates her practice on estate planning, trust planning, estate administration, and business & tax matters.

kryback@kmgslaw.com • 814-923-4910

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