What happens to a person's assets if they die intestate?

When a person dies intestate, which means they have not left a valid will, the distribution of their assets is determined through the probate court system. The probate court's role in this scenario is to oversee the process and ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed according to the laws of intestacy specific to the state in which the person resided at the time of death.

The probate court will follow a legal framework that stipulates how assets should be divided among the heirs, typically favoring close relatives such as spouses, children, and parents. The exact distribution can vary depending on the state's laws and the family structure of the deceased.

This process addresses the absence of a will and provides a mechanism for ensuring that assets are allocated fairly and legally. Without the probate court's involvement, there would be no orderly procedure to manage the deceased's estate, which could lead to disputes among potential heirs or result in unintended consequences regarding the distribution of the assets.