If you die without a will, the court will designate:

1. the people who will inherit your estate by applying the Texas laws of intestate succession to determine your "heirs at law";

2. the executor of your estate;

3. who will be the guardian of any minor children if your spouse does not survive you; and

4. who will manage the inheritance of any minor children if your spouse does not survive you. Note that when each child turns 18, this person must turn over all of that child's inheritance to the child in one lump-sum payment with no strings attached.