Originally Posted by sids1045

I hate to spoil this party, but having gone through this with both my parents, you can't just help yourself to their possessions. It is literally NOT that simple. The DMV or whoever can't just hand over someone else's property to you.

The court appoints an executor for the estate, in keeping with the will of the deceased. If the person died intestate (without a will), the court will appoint someone (usually one of its clerks or officers) as executor. Under state law, only the executor has the power to dispose of the deceased's property.

You don't have to cancel your credit cards, charge accounts or memberships before you die. Your executor takes care of that. You don't have to sell or give away your possessions either. Your executor does that too.

If you want to be specific as to who your executor will be, and who gets your possessions, have a will drawn up. Lawyers who handle probate can help you, usually for a small fee. Don't wait until you're old. You can walk out your door tomorrow morning, be hit by a bus, and be on the other side before you know what hit you. Get it done...now. As long as the will is in proper legal form for your state, under the law the court has to honor the wishes expressed in it. Yes, you CAN control what happens to your stuff after you die.