Chadwick Boseman Died Without a Will – What Does That Mean?

Actor Chadwick Boseman recently died after a battle with cancer. Reports this week are that he died intestate or without a Will.

(Of course those were the initial reports in the Aretha Franklin estate as well – before that situation became much more about potential holographic or handwritten Wills left behind.)

Dying intestate or without a Will affects the following major areas from an Estate perspective:

Control

One important function of a Will is to name who will be the Personal Representative or Executor. This person is in charge of taking the lead in of all aspects of the Estate – from gathering assets, to dealing with creditors and debt, to filing final tax returns.

In Oklahoma, if there is no Will, a Judge will appoint an Administrator, based on guidance in the law.

Not making a Will fails to name who will be in control of the Estate.

Who Gets What

Another important function of a Will is to name who will receive the property of the deceased person.

In Oklahoma, if there is no Will, the law will create a pattern of distribution for the Estate, based on the family structure of the deceased person. Sometimes this works out okay; sometimes this is far from what the person wanted.

Not making a Will fails to distribute property how a person wants.

Other Planning

Not making a Will can fail to plan in important areas such as taxes, business succession, and charity.

Guardian

Not making a Will can fail to nominate a guardian for minor children.

If our office may be of assistance to you in these areas, do not hesitate to contact us at (580) 686-4360 or at coryhicks@fieldandhicks.com or using any of our contact information in the profile. You can also visit www.fieldandhicks.com for more information.

This blog contains general information and the opinions of the author – not legal advice; you should seek the advice of competent counsel (attorney/lawyer) when considering any legal issues.