What If Father Does Not Have A Will???

[karihager1982]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

My father recently talked about creating a will for himself. After he found out the prices from attorney's he said that we could make one on our own.

Well - lately he has not mentioned it, and I do not wish to bring it up, as he gets upset if I do.

So - I am just wondering, what would happen to everything if my father passed away?

I have an older brother & sister also.

He has roughly 50,000-55,000 in the bank...what would happen to that? (No one's name is on the account with my father.)

What would happen if we could not agree on things such as funeral services, burial, cremation, or even agree on who gets what of personal belongings???

I wish I could talk him into making a will - so if something were to happen, we don't have to worry about this kind of stuff.

 

[JETX]

So - I am just wondering, what would happen to everything if my father passed away?

If your father were to pass away without a will (called 'intestate'), your state laws would determine the distribution of any estate.
Here are some links to your state intestate distibution laws:
http://www.erdevig.com/intestacy.html
http://www.fraserlawfirm.com/Publications/EstPlan/EP-MPC-Q&A.html
http://courts.co.calhoun.mi.us/note0015.htm
http://courts.co.calhoun.mi.us/note0016.htm

He has roughly 50,000-55,000 in the bank...what would happen to that?

See above.

What would happen if we could not agree on things such as funeral services, burial, cremation, or even agree on who gets what of personal belongings???

In the very trying times of the death of a parent, it is very common for siblings to disagree and argue about those things.... and numerous others. Definitely NOT something that is conducive to a long-term family relationship.

 

[karihager1982]

Thank you very much for the reply. Your links that you provided were very helpful.

I guess I need to try and talk to him more about creating a will...all of this is just so confusing, and if the day should ever come that we have to deal with this, I want to make it as smooth as possible.

Thanks again!
- Kari