We have told you several different stories about the things that have gone wrong with celebrities’ estates when they passed away without having a Will. It is a common theme as most Americans do not have Wills and things tend to go wrong with estates in that situation. However, things do not always go wrong when someone passes away without a Will. Sometimes, things go exceptionally well.
For example, Abraham Lincoln did not have a Will when he was assassinated. In today’s money, his entire estate was worth several million dollars, which would normally cause the estate problems when there is not a Will. Lincoln was different though. A United States Supreme Court Justice agreed to administer Lincoln’s estate at no charge. Congress gave Lincoln’s widow a large, tax-free donation. The estate went smoothly and was divided between Mrs. Lincoln and the two surviving children.
That is one example of a famous estate that went well without a Will. If you are similarly situated to Abraham Lincoln when he passed away, then you might be able to use his story as a guide for what will happen to your estate if you pass away without a Will. If you are not similarly situated, get a Will.
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