Intestate Succession
When someone dies without a will, it is said that they died "intestate." In this scenario the court carries out the disposition of the estate of the deceased in accordance with law. They will nominate an administrator as well.
1. If the deceased had a surviving spouse...
a. but no children/ grandchildren, the spouse receives the first $200,000 and one-half of the remainder. The rest is distributed among the next of kin.
b. and children, the spouse receives fifty percent of the estate and the remainder goes to the children equally.
c. but no children/grandchildren or kin, the spouse receives the entire estate.2. If the deceased did not have a surviving spouse...
a. and they have children, the estate is divided equally among the children.
b. and they have no children/grandchildren, the estate is given to their mother and/or father.
c. and there are not children or parents, then the estate is divided equally among the siblings of the deceased.
d. and they don't have any children/grandchildren, parents, or siblings, then the estate goes to the closest next of kin.
e. and they have nobody else at all, the commonwealth will acquire the estate.
Disclaimer: The information found on this site is not, and should not be considered, professional legal advice.
Always consult a professional before taking any sort of legal action.