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SOME HIDDEN DANGERS OF HAVING NO WILL IN PLACE

in 4) Trusts & Estates

Silence isn’t golden when it comes to your estate. When you don’t have a Will, you’re effectively giving a stranger the keys to your life’s work and your children’s future. It’s not just about money; it’s about control and clarity. Here are four hidden dangers of letting New York State decide what happens next:

  1. A Stranger Picks Your Children’s Guardian: Without your written instruction, a Judge (who has most likely never met your family) decides who will raise your minor children and who will handle their property.
  2. The Wrong Person in Charge: If you don’t have a Will naming an Executor, the court appoints an “Administrator” according to legal priority, not based on who you actually trust and may have chosen.
  3. The “Financial Limbo” Delay: Intestacy proceedings are notoriously slow. Your family could wait months for access to the funds they need for daily expenses.
  4. Fuel for Family Conflict: Ambiguity is a primary cause of estate litigation. A Will provides a clear voice when you aren’t there to speak, stopping “he-said, she-said” battles before they start.

The Bottom Line: Make sure you’re in control of your family’s future.