Venting financial prep

[deletedaccount30982]

i won't be doing any official legal planning for my death, for one thing i simply don't have the energy. however i have a roommate that i share rent with, which has been part of what has held me back, is not wanting to fuck her over financially. but i just realized i have nearly enough money in my savings account to pay for my part of rent until our lease is up. if i save a little bit more with my next couple of pay checks i can pay for all of it. it makes me feel much better knowing i won't fuck that up once i leave. i feel much better letting go now… now if only i could let go of my cat

 

[Forever Sleep]

That's so kind of you to think of her. I hate to rain on your parade but do you have a next of kin? I'm imagining with no will (presuming you haven't made one), I have a feeling your assets may well go to them. Please bear in mind I'm no expert whatsoever- I only have limited experience from the deaths in my family (none from suicide). I believe generally when someone dies, their assets are initially frozen until probate- ie. Their will is verified and distribution of their assets can start- according to their wishes. I'm not entirely sure what happens in the case of there being no will. They may try to get in touch with your family I imagine (if you have family). I have even seen appeals online if there is a property involved asking for any relevant parties to come forward.

I honestly don't know what would happen if you only made your wishes known in a note. You'd hope your wishes would be followed but I know legal people can get all pissy about non official documents.

Like I say, I hate to give you more worry. It's so lovely of you to consider your roommate. I could well be wrong but it might be worth looking in to- just in case. I wish you all the best.

 

[deletedaccount30982]

That's so kind of you to think of her. I hate to rain on your parade but do you have a next of kin? I'm imagining with no will (presuming you haven't made one), I have a feeling your assets may well go to them. Please bear in mind I'm no expert whatsoever- I only have limited experience from the deaths in my family (none from suicide). I believe generally when someone dies, their assets are initially frozen until probate- ie. Their will is verified and distribution of their assets can start- according to their wishes. I'm not entirely sure what happens in the case of there being no will. They may try to get in touch with your family I imagine (if you have family). I have even seen appeals online if there is a property involved asking for any relevant parties to come forward.

I honestly don't know what would happen if you only made your wishes known in a note. You'd hope your wishes would be followed but I know legal people can get all pissy about non official documents.

Like I say, I hate to give you more worry. It's so lovely of you to consider your roommate. I could well be wrong but it might be worth looking in to- just in case. I wish you all the best.

i know nothing about law but i believe my money would go to my father as i never officially cut financial ties from him when i became an adult for a long list of reasons. so while my money is my own he still has access to it even while i am alive. and knowing him he would be more than willing to use it to help my roommate stay afloat if i asked him to. i have no children so i think that would make my father my next of kin? or maybe one of my siblings? i'm not sure, i am truly naïve about this sort of stuff and can barely bring myself to eat much less write an official will

 

[Forever Sleep]

i know nothing about law but i believe my money would go to my father as i never officially cut financial ties from him when i became an adult for a long list of reasons. so while my money is my own he still has access to it even while i am alive. and knowing him he would be more than willing to use it to help my roommate stay afloat if i asked him to. i have no children so i think that would make my father my next of kin? or maybe one of my siblings? i'm not sure, i am truly naïve about this sort of stuff and can barely bring myself to eat much less write an official will

That sounds ideal then- if your father would help your roommate out. It's really thoughtful of you to think of them. Can't say I know much either but it's not so bad if families are generous. Money tends to bring out the worst in people in my experience.

Yes, I can fully appreciate how all the legal crap seems too much. I'm sorry you have found yourself here.

 

[locked*n*loaded]

When someone dies intestate (without a will), there is a "pecking order" of who has claims to any assets. I have no idea where you are, but here in the US it varies (a little) from state to state. Assuming you died and are married (not legally separated), you spouse would get your assets. If you have no spouse, but have children, they would get your assets. If you have no spouse and no children, but your parents are alive, one or both, they would get your assets. Then the pecking order moves onto siblings, sometimes aunts or uncles, cousins, etc. If there is absolutely no one, then the state gets it. Actually, if the state is owed some amount from you, they get their share first before anyone else. Same holds true for the Feds. Of course the court gets their money first for administrating your estate, even if their is no will. It makes no difference. The lawyer will get theirs, too. If you keep your money in an account, it becomes frozen upon your death (here in the US). Your room mate will not be able to access it after your death. It would be better to liquidate your account and give it directly to them (or send them a check, money order, etc) in the mail right before you ctb. A money order would be best because those are fairly anonymous. All of the complications that come from dying intestate can be avoided simply by having a will, even if you have few assets.