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ARTICLE · 12 MARCH 2025

Dying Without A Will: What's The Deal?

Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP
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Many people pass away without leaving a will, or they create a will but fail to include all their assets. Any part of an estate not covered...

CanadaFamily and Matrimonial
Sarah Vooys
Sarah Vooys
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Many people pass away without leaving a will, or they create a will but fail to include all their assets. Any part of an estate not covered by a will is considered an intestate estate and the deceased is called the intestate.

Perhaps you are a person who is considering entering a state of intestacy — you haven't made a will and you don't plan to — and you are looking to make an informed decision as to how much you would like to burden your loved ones from beyond the grave.

Or maybe you are the loved one, and have found yourself in the unhappy position of dealing with an intestate estate. After confirming that there truly is no will, you are wondering, "What now?"

Whatever your position, here are two "whos" to consider when confronted with (or leaving behind) an intestate estate.

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