Control riskState-law firstEducation only

Estate outcomes are set by state law when there is no plan.

EstateRiskIQ explains the rules that quietly shape probate, guardianship, and asset transfer. No pressure. No legal advice. Just clear state-by-state guidance on how default decisions are made.

Explore your state See how probate works

Default control

Courts decide who manages assets, guardianship, and distribution when there is no plan in place.

Probate exposure

Probate is public, time-bound, and fee driven. Timing and cost vary by state.

State snapshot

North Carolina

North Carolina intestacy gives the surviving spouse different shares of real and personal property depending on the number of surviving descendants or parents.

Intestacy: With one child (or descendants of one child), the spouse receives one-half of the real property and $60,000 plus one-half of the balance of personal property.

Probate: The personal property cap is $20,000 net of liens and encumbrances.

Guardianship: A court may appoint a guardian of the estate for a minor who is to receive property.

Tax: Tax Foundation's 2025 table lists states with estate or inheritance taxes; North Carolina is not listed, indicating no state estate or inheritance tax.

View full state guide

Education first

Understand the rules before you decide what to do.

We explain how default outcomes work. You decide if and when planning makes sense.

Estate Risks

The estate risks we explain for every state.

Use these risks to understand where default state rules can change outcomes for families.

Risk area

Intestacy risk

What happens when there is no will and the state decides distribution.

Risk area

Probate risk

How courts, public filings, and delays shape the transfer of assets.

Risk area

Guardianship risk

Who can care for minors and how courts determine guardianship.

Risk area

Tax exposure

State estate or inheritance taxes plus federal interaction, explained simply.

Risk area

Complexity triggers

Blended families, business ownership, and multi-state property.

Risk area

Who is most exposed

Households with dependents, real estate, or unclear beneficiary designations.

Start with your state

Estate law varies by state. Pick a state to see what happens when there is no plan.

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Probate flow

What typically happens after a death without a plan

01Court opens the estate and appoints a personal representative.

02Asset inventory and creditor notices become public record.

03State intestacy rules determine who receives what.

04Guardianship decisions are made for minors if needed.

05Distribution closes the estate once court approval is complete.

Built on state law

Each state guide explains intestacy, probate steps, tax exposure, and guardianship defaults.

Neutral tone

We keep it clear and factual. No fear tactics or pressure to act immediately.

Education first

We explain what happens if you do nothing, so you can decide what comes next.