Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 10, 2026 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller What Happens if You Die Without a Will? Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve put off making a will for years. What actually happens to my money and property if I die without one? --Getting Old Dear Getting, If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of your state, known as intestacy laws. These laws determine who inherits your property and financial accounts when there’s no will or trust. Since rules vary from state to state, it’s important to check the specifics where you live. A helpful starting point is heirbase.com, which offers Intestacy Evaluators for 37 states. You enter your household information and see how your estate might be distributed. If your state isn’t included, Nolo has a useful state-by-state intestate succession guide at nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/intestate-succession. In the meantime, here is a general overview of what can happen, depending on your family situation. Married with children: When a married person with children dies without a will, all property, investments and financial accounts that are “jointly owned” automatically goes to the surviving co-owner without going through probate, which is the legal process that distributes a deceased person’s assets. But for all other separately owned property or individual financial accounts, the laws of most states award one-third to one-half to the surviving spouse, while the rest goes to the children. Married with no children: Some states award the entire estate to the surviving spouse, or everything up to a certain amount (for example the first $100,000). But many other states award only onethird to one-half of the decedent’s separately owned assets to the surviving spouse, with the remainder generally going to the deceased person’s parents, or if the parents are dead, to brothers and sisters. Jointly owned property, investments, financial accounts, or community property automatically goes to the surviving co-owner. Single with children: All state laws provide that the entire estate goes to the children, in equal shares. If an adult child of the decedent has died, then that child’s children (the decedent’s grandchildren) split their parent’s share. Single with no children or grandchildren: In this situation, most state laws favor the deceased person’s parents. If both parents are deceased, many states divide the property among the brothers and sisters, or if they are not living, their children (your nieces and nephews). If there are none of them, it goes to the next of kin, and if there is no living family, the state takes it. Make a Will To ensure your assets go to those you want to receive them, you need to create a will or trust. If you have a simple estate and an uncomplicated family situation, there are do-it-yourself resources that can help you create all these documents for very little money. Some top-rated options include the Quicken WillMaker & Trust (willmaker.com, $109) and Trust & Will (trustandwill.com, $199). Or, if that’s more than you’re willing to pay, you can make your will for free at freewill.com or doyourownwill.com. If, however, you want or need assistance or if you have a complicated financial situation, blended family or have considerable assets, you should hire an attorney. An experienced attorney can make sure you cover all your bases, which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after you’re gone. Costs will vary depending on where you live, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $1,000 for a will. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org) and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (actec.org) websites are good resources that have directories to help you find someone in your area. If money is tight, check with your state’s bar association (findlegalhelp.org) to find low-cost legal help in your area. Or call the Eldercare Locater at 800-6771116 for a referral. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. CRASH | FROM PAGE 1 in how they treated Joe, but in how they supported her, their friends and their families during an incredibly difficult time. Joe was also able to fulfill his wish of becoming an organ donor, helping save four lives. Now, Jill is training for the Boston Marathon in his memory. A longtime runner, she says the race gives her a way to honor Joe while continuing to move forward in the months since his passing. Malden resident Jill Hadwen will be running this year’s race in honor of her late fiancé, Joseph Puciloski. (Courtesy photo) ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF MALDEN LICENSING BOARD A Public Hearing will be held before the Licensing Board for the City of Malden at City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, Room 108, Malden, MA 02148, on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. regarding the liquor license amendment application of Vishwaraja Corp., DBA Jay’s Wine & Spirits, located at 77 Commercial Street, Malden, MA. The proposed amendments to the application are a change of officers and change of stock interest in the applicant corporation. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. Andrew Zeiberg Kevin Molis Denise Balboni-Cowie April 10, 2026
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