Many people feel comfortable leaving important decisions up to others. You, and many other New York residents, may feel that your loved ones are capable enough to handle your final affairs after your passing without you having to create an estate plan. Though you may have trust in their abilities, you may need to remember that your family will likely not have the final say in what happens to your estate if you do not have a plan.
What happens to your assets if you do not have an estate plan?
Do I have to give my spouse half of everything?
New York law does not require that you split all of your assets in half with your spouse when you get a divorce. In fact, there are only a few states that abide by 50/50 rules. Even in these jurisdictions, your split would probably not be a simple half and half due to other legal concerns.
