If There's No Will

Don't worry if there isn't a valid will. It's a common occurrence, and the probate system is well-equipped to handle it. State law will tell you who inherits, who serves as administrator of the estate, and how assets can be transferred to their new owners.

Generally, everything goes to the closest relatives, and the surviving spouse or children are first in line to serve as personal representative of the estate. Charities, friends, and more distant relatives are out of luck, even if they're sure the deceased person did in fact want to leave them gifts of cash or specific items with sentimental value.