What is a significant legal consequence of dying without a will?

When an individual dies without a will, this situation is referred to as dying "intestate." In such cases, the distribution of the deceased person's estate is governed by state intestacy laws. These laws outline how the estate will be divided among surviving relatives based on their relationship to the deceased. This means that assets may be allocated to spouses, children, parents, or other close relatives in a specific order established by state legislation.

The significance of this legal consequence is that the individual's personal wishes do not influence how their estate is handled or divided, which could lead to outcomes that are not aligned with what the deceased may have intended. Consequently, dying without a will can create challenges and potential conflicts among family members, as they may assume different expectations about the distribution of the estate.

Understanding the implications of intestacy underscores the importance of having a will, as it allows individuals to ensure their desires are met concerning asset distribution. The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the reality of dying without a will; debts do not disappear, the probate process can still be complicated, and ownership does not automatically transfer to surviving family members without following legal guidelines.