“Thought for the Day” #721 – by Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M.

Although there are limited circumstances where the statutory scheme of distribution (intestate succession – no will) might provide for the same distribution of assets at death that an individual might have otherwise set forth in his or her last will and testament, given the choice most people would not consciously choose to die without a will, thereby leaving the distribution of their estate without a personal roadmap, and the choice of personal representatives, guardians, and trustees to chance. As discussed in this week’s blog, information about wills is readily available, as are paths of access to legal services.