Simply put: without one, New York State writes it for you. A default formula decides who gets what, a judge chooses who raises your minor kids, and your family spends months up to a few years in Surrogate's Court proceedings seeking a decree from a judge on things you could have settled in a few brief meetings with your attorney. If I have your attention, let's dive in deeper: Most married New Yorkers think that their spouse will inherit everything and, in turn, will divide