When a loved one dies without a will, he or she is said to have died intestate. When this happens, California laws governing descent and distribution will apply. Any assets or inheritance will pass on the to the decedent’s beneficiaries according to these laws, regardless of the decedent’s wishes. At the Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo, our probate lawyer in San Fernando Valley will guide you through the estate administration process when a loved one dies intestate.
Estate Administration In Probate Court
Our probate attorney has extensive experience guiding people through this sometimes complicated process. When there is no will, it is likely that the entire estate must go through probate court. The administration of the estate will be similar to the typical probate process with one major difference, the laws of intestate succession will govern the distribution of the estate’s assets.
Intestate succession requires the estate administrator to identify all potential heirs, which begins with immediate family members. For example, if a person dies without a spouse, any children will inherit the estate equally, while siblings of the deceased will not receive anything. If there are no children, the deceased’s siblings will inherit equally while cousins will not receive anything. The process will continue until a proper relative is found who can legally inherit the assets of the estate.
