What If There Is No Will?

If a person dies without a Will the probate court appoints a Personal Representative frequently called an "Administrator" or "Administratix" to receive all claims against the estate, pay creditors, and then distribute all remaining property in accordance with the intestacy laws of the state.

The major difference between dying testate and dying intestate is that without a valid Will an intestate estate is distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the distribution plan established by state law; a testate estate is distributed in accordance with the instructions provided by the decedent in his/her Will.

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call Zane D. Smith & Associates, LTD at (312) 245-0031 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.