Understanding What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will
When actress and reality television personality Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff passed away on March 5, 2025, at age 62, she left behind an estate valued at approximately $840,000—but no will to direct how her assets should be distributed. Her eldest daughter, Taylor Hasselhoff-Fiore, 34, filed court documents on March 13, 2025, to become the administrator of her mother’s estate, navigating the complex probate process that follows when someone dies intestate (without a will).
This high-profile case, first reported by US Magazine, highlights a critical issue that affects thousands of California families every year: the complications and emotional burden that arise when a loved one dies without proper estate planning.
Who This Article Is For
If you’re facing any of these situations, this article will help you understand your options:
- Your loved one recently passed away without leaving a will
- You’re unsure who has the legal right to manage the deceased’s estate
- You need to petition the court to become administrator of an intestate estate
- You’re worried about state intestacy laws determining how assets are distributed
- You want to protect minor heirs or vulnerable family members during probate
- You’re concerned about preventing family disputes over estate administration
What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in California?
When a person dies without a valid will, California’s intestacy laws automatically determine who inherits their property. This process:
- Removes personal choice from the equation—the state decides how assets are divided based on a predetermined formula
- Requires court involvement through probate proceedings that can take 12-18 months or longer
- Creates additional costs in court fees, administrator bonds, and legal expenses
- May result in unintended beneficiaries receiving assets you would have preferred to leave elsewhere
- Causes family conflict when multiple relatives believe they should manage the estate
The Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff Case: A Real-World Example
Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, ex-wife of actor David Hasselhoff, was found unresponsive in her Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide. She left behind two daughters: Taylor, 34, and Hayley, 32.
Without a will in place, Taylor had to file a petition with the probate court to request appointment as administrator of her mother’s estate. This process involves:
- Filing formal court documents
- Notifying all potential heirs and creditors
- Posting a bond (insurance policy) to protect the estate
- Obtaining court approval for major decisions
- Accounting for all assets and debts
- Distributing assets according to California’s intestacy laws
In her emotional Instagram tribute, Taylor wrote: “I promise to make you proud & celebrate you every day. [Taylor’s daughter] London will know how incredible you are & I promise I will protect Hayley forever”. These words underscore the family’s commitment to honoring their mother’s memory—but also highlight how much easier this process would have been with a properly executed estate plan.
How California’s Intestacy Laws Work
When you die without a will in California, your assets are distributed according to Probate Code sections 6400-6414. Here’s how the law prioritizes heirs:
- Surviving spouse or domestic partner: Receives all community property and a portion of separate property
- Children: If no spouse, children inherit everything equally; with a spouse, they share separate property
- Parents: Inherit if no spouse or children survive
- Siblings: Next in line if parents are deceased
- More distant relatives: Nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins
- The State of California: Only inherits if absolutely no relatives can be found
Common Questions Families Ask About Dying Without a Will
Who can manage the estate if there’s no will?
Any interested party can petition the court to become administrator. California law prioritizes surviving spouses, then adult children, then other relatives. The court ultimately decides who is most suitable.
How long does probate take without a will?
Intestate probate typically takes 12-24 months in California, sometimes longer for complex estates or when family disputes arise. This is longer than probate with a will because additional court hearings are required.
Can the administrator be removed?
Yes. If an administrator mismanages the estate, family members can petition the court for removal. This is why selecting the right person is crucial.
What if minor children are involved?
The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to protect minors’ interests. Assets inherited by minors are typically held in a blocked account until they reach age 18, which may not align with your wishes for their care and education.
How to Avoid These Problems: Essential Estate Planning Steps
The Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff situation could have been simplified with basic estate planning documents:
1. Last Will and Testament
- Names your chosen executor to manage your estate
- Specifies exactly who receives your assets
- Designates guardians for minor children
- Reduces family conflict by making your wishes clear
2. Revocable Living Trust
- Avoids probate entirely for assets transferred into the trust
- Maintains privacy (unlike wills, which become public record)
- Allows seamless asset management if you become incapacitated
- Provides greater control over when and how beneficiaries receive assets
3. Advance Health Care Directive
- Names someone to make medical decisions if you cannot
- Documents your end-of-life care preferences
- Prevents family disagreements about medical treatment
4. Durable Power of Attorney
- Authorizes someone to manage financial matters if you’re incapacitated
- Prevents the need for a court-appointed conservator
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. If you own a home, have retirement accounts, or want to protect your children’s inheritance, you need a plan. Consider these facts:
- Over 60% of Americans don’t have a will, according to recent surveys
- Probate costs typically range from 3-7% of the estate’s value
- Intestate estates take an average of 6 months longer to settle than estates with wills
- Family disputes over intestate estates are 3 times more likely to result in litigation
How California Probate and Trust Can Help Your Family
If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one who died without a will, California Probate and Trust offers compassionate, experienced guidance through every step of the probate process. Our Sacramento-based estate planning attorneys have helped over 1,000 families navigate complex intestate situations, including:
- Probate administration: Filing petitions, managing court appearances, and distributing assets
- Guardianship proceedings: Protecting minor heirs’ interests and securing their inheritances
- Estate litigation: Resolving disputes among family members
- Asset protection: Preventing unnecessary losses to creditors and taxes
We also help families prevent these problems through comprehensive estate planning:
- Free one-hour consultations to assess your needs
- Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Personalized plans designed for your unique family dynamics
- Ongoing support as your life circumstances change
Don’t Leave Your Family’s Future to Chance
The stress and expense that Taylor Hasselhoff-Fiore now faces could have been avoided with proper estate planning. Don’t let your family struggle through the same challenges.
Schedule your free consultation with California Probate and Trust today: