Estate planning is often overlooked, with many people believing that their assets will automatically go to their loved ones upon death. However, in California, dying without a will triggers a legal process known as intestate succession, which may result in the distribution of your assets in ways you did not intend. Understanding what happens when you die without a will in California is critical to ensuring that your property is passed on to your intended beneficiaries. This article explores the legal consequences of dying intestate in California and why it is essential to have a valid will.

What Does Dying Intestate Mean in California?
Dying without a will is known as dying "intestate." When a person dies intestate, their assets are distributed according to the state's intestate succession laws. In California, these laws determine how your property is divided among your surviving relatives. Without a will, you lose the ability to decide who inherits your estate, leaving this decision to California law.

The process is managed through probate, where the court supervises the distribution of your estate. Probate can be a lengthy and expensive process, particularly when no will is in place to guide the distribution. Therefore, the absence of a will often results in unintended consequences, such as excluding non-family members or distant relatives whom the decedent may not have wished to include.

Who Inherits When You Die Without a Will in California?
California’s intestate succession laws primarily favor close family members. The distribution of your estate depends on whether you have surviving spouses, children, parents, or more distant relatives. Here’s how the estate is generally distributed