Final answer:
In most states, a will must be signed by the testator to be considered valid. Dying without a will leads to intestate estate proceedings according to state laws. Advance medical directives are also used to convey wishes regarding medical treatment in cases of incapacitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In most states, a written will must indeed be signed by its testator to be considered valid. A will articulates a person's wishes about how their assets should be distributed after their death. This can range from a simple handwritten note to a more formal document. However, the informality of some wills can lead to challenges in court during probate proceedings.
When a person dies without a will, they are said to have died intestate, meaning the distribution of their assets will be handled by the court according to state intestacy laws. These laws dictate the hierarchical order of beneficiaries such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings. This highlights the importance of having a valid will to ensure that one's assets are distributed according to their personal wishes.
Additionally, many people also choose to prepare advance medical directives, such as living wills, DNR Orders, or appointing a health care proxy, to communicate their preferences for medical treatment in situations where they might become incapacitated.