Denver, CO asked in Estate Planning for Colorado

Q: Do I need a will? I own a home, but am not married or have any children

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1 Lawyer Answer
Nina Whitehurst
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Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Crossville, TN
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: You don't "need" a will if you don't care who inherits your real and personal property after you die. You can just let the chips fall where they may. A lot of people do care, however.

Are your parents still alive? Are you OK with them inheriting everything? If your parents are no longer living, are you OK with your siblings inheriting everything? Or, if you have no siblings, more distant relatives?

A will helps ensure that your items go to the people or charities you want to inherit.

For the home, you might consider a transfer on death deed. You still should have a will for everything else, but a TOD deed could be a simple solution for your home. Do not do this, however, without the advice of an attorney.

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