“Half-blood” isn’t just something you read about in the world of Harry Potter. In the probate world, half-blood inheritance is about how your blood relatives who share only one parent inherit from you if you die without a will.
Understanding Half-Blood Inheritance
For example where you and your sibling have the same father but different mothers, that makes you half-siblings. You’re related by blood, but not through both parents. Now, picture this: you die without a will (intestate). Here’s where inheritance gets interesting.
In many states, half-blood relatives inherit – but they typically receive half the share that a full-blooded relative (like a sibling with both parents in common) would get. This can be surprising, and it’s important to be aware of these laws.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Intestacy laws dictate who inherits when there’s no will. Don’t like the idea of the state deciding how your hard-earned assets are distributed? Then estate planning is crucial.
With a will or trust, you get to choose who inherits what, regardless of blood ties (half or full). You can ensure your assets go to the people or causes you care about most.
Taking Control: Your Estate Planning Options
- Will: A legal document that names beneficiaries to receive your assets and property through the probate process.
- Trust: A legal entity that holds your assets and distributes them according to your instructions outside of the probate process, and offers better protections to your beneficiaries.
Beyond Blood: Beneficiary Designations
Certain assets, like life insurance policies or retirement accounts, allow you to name beneficiaries directly. These designations supersede your will or intestacy laws, ensuring those specific assets go to your chosen recipients without having to go through probate.
Half-blood inheritance laws exist, but they shouldn’t dictate your legacy. By creating a will or trust, you take control and ensure your wishes are followed. Talk to an estate planning attorney to discuss your options and create a plan that reflects your unique circumstances.
Speak to our Estate Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale
Our Plantation law office specializes in estate planning and serves Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade, and West Palm Beach County.
Our estate lawyers in Fort Lauderdale can help design an estate plan to prevent unwanted consequences.
We offer remote, virtual consultations throughout Florida.