What legal principle applies when someone dies without a will?

When someone dies without a will, the legal principle that governs the distribution of their estate is known as intestacy succession laws. These laws provide a framework for determining how the deceased's assets are distributed among surviving relatives based on established statutory guidelines.

Intestacy succession laws vary by jurisdiction but generally outline a hierarchy of heirs, specifying which family members are entitled to inherit and in what shares. Usually, this means that a spouse, children, parents, siblings, and other relatives may be considered for inheritance based on their relationship to the deceased.

This legal principle is essential as it ensures a structured and fair distribution of assets, preventing disputes and confusion that could arise in the absence of a will. The other options, while related to the topic of wills and inheritance, do not encapsulate the specific legal framework that operates when a person dies without having established their wishes through a will.