Intestate Succession

Intestate Succession

The inheritance of an ancestor's property according to the laws of Descent and Distribution that are applied when the deceased has not executed a valid will.

West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

intestate succession

n. the distribution when a person dies without leaving a valid will and the spouse and heirs will take (receive the possessions) by the laws of descent and distribution and marital rights in the estate which may apply to a surviving spouse. Collectively these are called the laws of intestate succession. (See: intestacy, intestate)

Copyright © 1981-2005 by Gerald N. Hill and Kathleen T. Hill. All Right reserved.