What happens if I die without a will?

If you die intestate (without a will), Massachusetts statutory law will determine who receives your property by default. Typically, the distribution is to your spouse or children, or if none, to other family members. The statutory plan may or may not reflect your actual wishes. A will allows you to change the default statutory distribution scheme to suit your wishes, as well as to make a number of personal decisions to suit your objectives that the default provisions cannot address.