What occurs when a will does not dispose of all property after the decedent’s death?

When a will does not dispose of all the decedent's property, the remaining property typically passes by intestate succession. This means that the property will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which dictate how assets should be allocated when someone dies without a will or when their will does not address all of their assets. Intestate succession laws vary by state but generally prioritize close relatives such as spouses, children, and other descendants.

This process ensures that the property is still distributed according to the decedent's presumed intentions, even if those intentions weren't explicitly stated in the will. By contrast, the other choices improperly characterize the handling of the remaining property: some suggest charitable donations, executor discretion, or mandatory property sales, none of which typically apply when a will leaves property undisposed.