Intestacy Rules

Intestacy rules determine how a person's estate is distributed if they die without a valid will. These laws specify the order in which family members and relatives inherit assets, typically starting with spouses, children, and then more distant relatives. The goal is to ensure the estate is passed on to loved ones according to legal priorities, minimizing disputes. The exact rules vary by jurisdiction, but they generally follow a predetermined hierarchy designed to reflect the deceased’s likely intentions in the absence of a will.