What is true regarding intestate succession?

Intestate succession refers to the distribution of an estate when an individual dies without a valid will. In such cases, distribution of the deceased's assets is determined by the laws of the state where the individual was domiciled at the time of their death. Each state has its own intestacy laws that outline the hierarchy of heirs and how the estate will be divided among them.

This legal framework ensures that property is distributed fairly according to established protocols, typically prioritizing close relatives such as spouses, children, and other direct descendants. The reliance on state law makes it an essential aspect of estate planning, as individuals who wish to have control over the distribution of their assets should create a will to specify their wishes explicitly.

The other choices present scenarios that do not align with the nature of intestate succession; for instance, intestate succession does not involve provisions from a will, does not require a living trust, and does not necessarily include the wishes of the decedent unless specified in a formal will. The clarity provided by state law thus plays a foundational role in how intestate succession functions.