Yes. State laws of intestacy dictate where deceased residents' assets go when they die without a will. In all cases, intestacy laws require that distributions be made to one or more family members based on their relationship to the deceased (e.g., spouse, children, and parents). Charitable bequests can only be made with a will that names a specific nonprofit or charitable organization. Since so many people die without wills, it is not surprising that charitable bequests are relatively uncommon in the United States.
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