The short answer is, “not necessarily.” Many people die without having designated in a will who should take their property, but so-called will-substitutes frequently do the work of a will. The most common...
Why use a trust rather than a will?
Can I safely tell my lawyer things that I don’t want my family to know?
What happens if a parent dies without updating his will or trust to reflect the arrival of a new child?
The only correct short answer is, “It depends.” First, it depends on the wording of the deceased parent’s will or trust. Many such documents specifically provide for after-born children, but many others do not. Second, it depends on applicable law. Every state has a statute that is intended to protect the interests of...