What happens if I have no living relatives to name as beneficiaries?

You are generally free to name anyone you choose as a beneficiary, including friends, a charity, or another organization, even if you have no living relatives. Without a will naming beneficiaries, state law would otherwise decide who receives your property, which may not match your wishes.

General information

• State intestacy law determines who inherits when there's no valid will, which can include distant relatives or, in rare cases, the state itself.
• Friends and charities are common beneficiary choices when no close relatives are available or intended.
• You can name multiple beneficiaries and decide how property is divided among them.

Service steps to consider

1. Consider who you'd like to receive your property, such as friends or charitable organizations.
2. List each intended beneficiary clearly in your questionnaire.
3. Review your choices periodically in case your relationships or intentions change.

Quick check

• Have I decided who I want to receive my property?
• Are my beneficiary choices clearly listed?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills' guided questionnaire is built to handle exactly this kind of situation. The platform lets you name any beneficiary you choose, whether that's a close friend, a charity, or another organization, so your wishes are followed instead of leaving the decision to your state's default inheritance laws.

Important limits

• Without a valid will, state intestacy law determines who inherits, which may not reflect your actual wishes.