What does "intestate succession" entail?

Intestate succession refers to the legal process that determines how a deceased person's assets are distributed when they die without a valid will. State laws govern this process, outlining specific rules about which relatives inherit and in what proportion. For instance, if someone passes away intestate, their estate may be divided among their spouse, children, or other relatives as specified by state statutes. This legal framework ensures that assets are distributed fairly and according to established guidelines when an individual has not explicitly stated their wishes through a will.

In contrast, voluntary decisions made by beneficiaries regarding asset distribution involve mutual agreements among survivors, which is not how intestate succession operates. Meanwhile, designating guardians for minor children is a separate concern that typically requires a will providing for such designations, and the process for appointing a new executor pertains to the administration of an estate rather than the distribution of assets upon intestacy.