When someone dies without a will, they die “intestate,” and state law takes over. Each state has a built-in order of inheritance — usually spouse and children first, then parents, then siblings, and outward from there.

A court also appoints someone to handle the estate, which may not be the person you would have picked. If you have minor children, the court — not you — has more say over guardianship.

This default plan ignores friends, unmarried partners, stepchildren, and charities entirely. Writing even a simple will puts those decisions back in your hands.

This is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state. For your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.