What happens if I die without a will or trust?
Dying without any estate plan in place means you have died "intestate." California's intestate succession laws will determine how your property is distributed — typically to your closest blood relatives according to a strict legal formula, regardless of your actual wishes.
If no eligible heirs can be located, the state may ultimately claim your assets through a process called escheatment. Creating even a basic estate plan prevents this outcome and ensures your property goes to the people you choose.
