Dying Without a Will
An interview with Prof. John Morley
CLE Credit — Approved in 5 States
When you die without a will, the default rules of inheritance law kick in, allocating assets based on established formulas and hierarchies. In this conversation, Prof. John Morley (Yale Law School) explains basic inheritance law and delves into the default rules that come into play when a person dies without a will (“intestate”) and how these rules both vary significantly from state to state and are often at odds with common expectations when it comes to an individual’s legacy.
Through his recent survey, Prof. Morley has uncovered differences in inheritance expectations across various demographic groups. For instance, women are notably less likely than men to intentionally leave money to their spouses. Additionally, the conversation explores discrepancies by race and sexual orientation as well as some notable surprises pertaining to less traditional family structures.
Prof. Morley's insights not only underscore the importance of having a will that accurately reflects one's wishes but also suggest that intestacy laws across the nation may be out of step with modern expectations and in need of revision.
Additional Resources
- A Survey of Preferences for Estate Distribution at Death Part 1: Spouses and Partners
- A Survey of Preferences for Estate Distribution at Death Part 2: Children and Other Beneficiaries
About Prof. John Morley
“Law firms don’t just collapse—they blow up. They go up in a ball of fire.”
Professor John Morley of Yale Law School is an expert in organizational law and investment management. He teaches courses on business organizations and securities regulations. He was an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law and the director of the school’s Law & Business Program. Prior to that, he served as an Associate Research Scholar and John R. Raben/Sullivan & Cromwell Executive Director of the Yale Law School Center for the Study of Corporate Law. Following law school, he practiced law as an associate at Covington & Burling LLP in the Corporate and Securities Group. Professor Morley has authored numerous publications on mutual funds, investment funds, and financial regulations.
