Intestacy
Learn how intestacy laws determine asset distribution when someone dies without a will. Discover why estate planning helps families avoid intestate succession.
What happens to property when someone dies intestate?
When someone dies intestate (without a will), state laws determine how their property gets distributed among surviving relatives. Each state has specific rules that typically prioritize spouses and children, but may not align with what the deceased would have wanted. Creating a will or trust allows families to control asset distribution rather than relying on default state laws.
