What Is Intestacy?

What Does It Mean To Die Intestate?

What becomes of your hard-earned property if you leave this world without a will? It's a question that might intrigue you. The answer, however, lies in the concept of intestacy.

What is Intestacy?

Intestacy is a term that can significantly impact the distribution of your assets after your passing. 

Intestacy, in simple terms, refers to the situation where a person passes away without a valid will. This can create a multitude of problems, as your wishes for the distribution of your property aren't legally documented. Without a clear will, your assets won't be divided according to your intentions, leading to complications that your loved ones must navigate during an already difficult time.

What Happens in Intestacy?

In California, when someone dies intestate (without a will), state laws dictate how their estate will be distributed. This distribution is governed by a set of rules known as intestate succession. In essence, intestate succession outlines a predetermined order in which family members inherit, prioritizing close relatives over distant ones.

However, relying on intestate succession can lead to issues. Your assets may not end up where you intended, and the process can be time-consuming, potentially causing strain among your loved ones.

When Does Intestate Succession Apply?

Intestate succession is the legal process that governs how an estate is divided when the deceased didn't leave a will. In California, this process comes into play when the decedent (the person who passed away) owned property solely in their name, and no will or other valid document outlines how the assets should be distributed.

Moreover, when a will covers only a portion of an estate, it can occasionally lead to an intestate situation. In either of these scenarios, the assets of the deceased are commonly distributed by a probate court.

Who Can Inherit if There Is No Will in California?

Intestate succession typically prioritizes the decedent's closest family members. Spouses, registered domestic partners, children, and grandchildren are among the first in line to inherit. If none of these relatives exist, the process extends to parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and so on.

According to intestate succession laws:

• If you’re married without adopted or biological children, your spouse is entitled to inherit all community property and half of your separate property. The other half of your separate property is destined for your parents (or your siblings, if your parents are no longer living), or the descendants of these individuals if they are deceased, referred to as their "issue" in legal terms. Should none of these close relatives or their descendants exist, your spouse will become the recipient of all separate property.
• If you are married and have children, the entirety of your community property transfers to your spouse. Your separate property, however, is divided between your spouse and children. In the case of a single child, they inherit half of your separate property, while your spouse claims the other half. For families with two or more children, the children collectively inherit two-thirds of your separate property, leaving one-third for your spouse.
• If you’re unmarried but have children, your children share your assets equally. If one of your children passes away before you, any grandchildren (descendants) of your deceased child will likely inherit their share.
• If you are unmarried and childless, your assets are distributed among your closest living relatives. The sequence typically follows parents, then siblings, followed by grandparents, and finally extends to aunts, uncles, or cousins. Alternatively, the descendants of these relatives may inherit based on their relation and survival. 

What Assets Are Not Affected by Intestate Succession?

It's important to note that not all property is subject to intestate succession. Assets that have beneficiary designations, such as life insurance policies or retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, won't be governed by intestacy laws. Additionally, properties held in joint tenancy or as community property with the right of survivorship will pass to the surviving joint owner or spouse outside of the intestate succession process.

Other examples include:

• Property that has been transferred to a living trust
• Payable-on-death bank accounts
• Securities held in a transfer-on-death account
• Vehicles held in a transfer-on-death account

Intestate Succession Laws in California: FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about intestate succession laws in California:

Q: What Do Children Inherit If There's No Will?

A: Children inherit the estate equally if there is no surviving spouse or registered domestic partner. If there is a surviving spouse or partner, the distribution depends on whether the children are also the spouse's or partner's children.

Q: Can Non-Citizens Inherit an Estate?

A: Yes, non-citizens can inherit an estate through intestate succession in California.

Q: Can Intestacy Be Contested?

A: Yes, intestacy can be contested if there are legitimate reasons to believe that the decedent's wishes weren't accurately represented by intestate succession laws.

Q: What Happens to an Estate If Someone Dies While Divorcing?

A: If someone dies while their divorce is pending, the distribution of assets may be complicated. It's advisable to seek legal assistance to navigate this situation properly.

Other Laws Surrounding Intestacy

• Survivorship Period Requirement: An heir must outlive you by 120 hours, adhering to California's survivorship period rule. This ensures that if a person passes away within 120 hours after you, their estate is not eligible to inherit from you, even if you both had a simultaneous fatal incident.
• Impact of Legal Separation: If you're legally separated when you pass away, your surviving spouse won't automatically inherit your portion of community property.
• Equal Inheritance for Half Relatives: Whether your relatives are half-siblings or whole siblings, their legal right to inherit from you remains unaffected, even if they share only one parent.
• Inheritance for Posthumous Relatives: Relatives conceived before your death, but not born yet, can still inherit from you. They will have the same rights as those who were alive at the time of your passing.
• Advancements Deducted from Inheritance: Gifts given to relatives during your lifetime can be subtracted from their inheritance if specified in writing, or if the relative confirms in writing that this was the arrangement.

Why Do You Need an Estate Attorney for Intestate Estates?

Intestacy can give rise to a host of complex legal and emotional challenges. If you have a long-term domestic partner who has not been registered as such, they won’t receive any of your property at the event of your passing. If you have a thriving business but no specified heirs, that business could be passed on or divided among heirs who lack the expertise or interest to manage it, leading to operational chaos and potential financial decline. Many unwanted things could happen in intestacy.

This is why enlisting the expertise of an estate attorney is crucial when dealing with intestate estates. With their guidance, you can ensure that the estate is distributed efficiently, in line with the law, and in accordance with your wishes. An attorney can also help resolve any disputes that may arise among potential heirs, safeguarding your legacy and minimizing family conflicts.

Secure Your Legacy: Act Now

Don't leave your estate's future to chance. Contact Anthoor Law Group today to schedule a consultation with our experienced estate planning attorneys. Let us guide you in building your estate plan to avoid intestacy, ensuring that your assets are managed as you intend and that your loved ones are protected during their time of grief. Your legacy deserves the careful attention and expertise that Anthoor Law Group provides.