Inheritance and succession laws in Commonwealth countries

Inheritance and succession laws in Commonwealth countries govern how assets are transferred when someone dies, typically prioritizing family members. These laws can vary, but generally, a person’s estate goes to their spouse, children, or next of kin if there's no will. Many countries follow a system called "common law" or "ab intestato" rules, which specify which relatives inherit and in what order. Wills allow individuals to specify their preferred beneficiaries, overriding default laws. Laws aim to ensure fair distribution while reflecting cultural, social, and legal principles of each jurisdiction.