If someone dies without a Will who inherits?

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If someone dies without a Will who inherits?

No spouse or children and the parents are deceased. There are siblings one of whom is deceased. Is the deceased sibling’s children entitled to their deceased parent’s share?

Asked on September 6, 2011 under Estate Planning, Alabama

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

When someone dies without a Will they are said to have died "intestate". This means that the laws of the state in which they were domiciled as of the date of their death will control. Typically, in the case in which a person leaves no surviving spouse or descendants (i.e. children), then their estate passes to their siblings. To the extent that a sibling dies first (i.e. before the intestate individual) then their share passes to their children (i.e. the intestate's niece(s) and/or nephew(s)).

The dead sibling's children are entitled to their deceased parent's share. So for example if the intestate individual left 3 sisters, 1 of whom predeceased them, then 1 sister would receive 1/3 of the estate; the other sister would receive another 1/3, and the remaining 1/3 would be split among the dead siblings children equally.

This is just a general overview. At this point you should consult directly with a probate attorney in your area as to the specifics of your case.


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