INTESTATE SUCCESSION Meaning and
Definition
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Intestate succession refers to the legal process of distributing the assets, properties, and possessions of a deceased person who did not leave a valid will. When someone passes away without a will, they are said to have died intestate. In such cases, the law dictates a set of rules and guidelines for the distribution of the deceased's estate among their heirs.
The rules of intestate succession vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, they prioritize closest family members such as spouses, children, and parents. In the absence of any of these individuals, the estate may be inherited by other blood relatives, such as siblings, grandparents, aunts, or uncles. If no relatives can be identified, the estate might be passed on to the state.
Intestate succession aims to ensure a fair and orderly distribution of assets in the absence of a will. However, it can also generate complications, disputes, and potential challenges. Without specific instructions from the deceased, disagreements may arise among family members regarding the division of the estate.
To avoid the uncertainty and potential conflicts of intestate succession, individuals are encouraged to create a legally valid will that clearly outlines their wishes for the distribution of their assets. This allows them to have more control over their estate and ensures that their intended beneficiaries are recognized and provided for after their passing.
Common Misspellings for INTESTATE SUCCESSION
- untestate succession
- jntestate succession
- kntestate succession
- ontestate succession
- 9ntestate succession
- 8ntestate succession
- ibtestate succession
- imtestate succession
- ijtestate succession
- ihtestate succession
- inrestate succession
- infestate succession
- ingestate succession
- inyestate succession
- in6estate succession
- in5estate succession
- intwstate succession
- intsstate succession
- intdstate succession
- intrstate succession
Etymology of INTESTATE SUCCESSION
The word "intestate" comes from the Latin term "intestatus", which is a combination of "in" (meaning "not") and "testatus" (meaning "testament"). "Testatus" is derived from "testari", meaning "to bear witness" or "to make a will". Therefore, "intestate" essentially means "not having made a will". "Succession" descends from the Latin word "successio", derived from "succedere", meaning "to come after". In combination, "intestate succession" refers to the legal process of distributing a person's assets and property when they die without leaving a will.
