What Happens When You Die With a Will?
IMPORTANT: This guide is for general educational purposes for U.S. adults with relatively simple finances. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. HeirLight is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws vary by state; consider consulting a licensed attorney about your specific situation.
Having a will doesn't mean things happen automatically. It means someone you chose has clear instructions to follow.
Quick answer: When you die with a will, the person you named as executor takes your original signed will to the local probate court. The court confirms the will is valid, officially appoints the executor, and then the executor gathers your assets, pays any debts and taxes, and distributes what's left to the people and causes you named. Most estates go through some form of probate, though the size and process vary by state.