Intestate Succession

Intestate succession refers to the legal process that determines how a person's assets are distributed when they die without a will. In such cases, state laws dictate the order of inheritance, typically favoring close relatives like spouses, children, and parents. If no immediate family exists, distant relatives may inherit. This process ensures that the deceased's property is allocated fairly according to established legal guidelines, rather than personal wishes, which can lead to disputes among potential heirs. It underscores the importance of having a will to specify one's wishes for asset distribution.