Will
If you were to die tomorrow, how would your assets be distributed? If you are a resident of North Carolina and die without a will, your property will pass in accordance with North Carolina's intestacy laws. Generally, your estate assets will be distributed as follows:- If you are married with children, the estate is divided between spouse and children.
- If you are married with no children but have a living parent, the estate is divided between the spouse and the parent.
- If you are not married but have children, the property goes to your children.
- If you are not married and have no children, all property goes to your parents or siblings.
A will is a useful tool to provide for the disposition of your property at your death and can also be used to provide for the guardianship of your minor children. A will allows you to designate who will receive your property and in what proportion. You can also establish a trust under a will. This is called a testamentary trust. A trust created while you are alive, known as a living trust, is a private document that cannot be viewed by the public. However, if a trust is created by will, which is a matter of public record, then the trust will also be public record.
It is important to note that not all property can be disposed of by will or by intestate succession. The items listed below are known as "will substitutes" because these items pass according to the terms of the agreement or ownership, not the terms of your will.
- Life insurance proceeds will be paid to the named beneficiary.
- Pensions funds, retirement accounts, IRA's, will be payable to the designated beneficiary. If no beneficiary is designated, then the proceeds will be payable to your estate.
- Payable on Death designations will be payable to the designated beneficiary.
- Property owned jointly with Right of Survivorship will pass to the surviving owner.
- Deeds of Title will transfer according to the deed.
- Living Trusts: items will pass according to the terms of the trust document.
When to Change (Amend) a Will
As circumstances in your life change, you may want to update your will to reflect these changes. You may wish to change your will to provide for the following life events:- Marriage, separation, or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a spouse or child
- Move to a different state
Questions about Wills may be answered by consulting an attorney. The material above is intended to be accurate; however, consultation with appropriate professionals for assistance is recommended.