Dying Without a Will Can Send 100% of an Estate to Government

1 articles · Updated · The Nightly · May 25

A person who dies without a will can have assets divided by law rather than by personal choice, setting off disputes among children and grandchildren over who gets what.
Ben Harvey says that Intestacy can trigger a complex legal process in which an estate is carved up under preset rules instead of the deceased's wishes.
In one extreme scenario, 100% of the estate can end up being gifted to the government, underscoring the risk of leaving no valid will.

Under what bizarre circumstances could the government become the sole heir to your entire life's savings?

With a $15M tax exemption in 2026, why might average families still face state inheritance taxes?

Can a simple beneficiary form on your retirement account completely override your legally-drafted will?