How does intestate succession work when there are multiple children?

In Washington, when a person dies without a valid will, they are said to have died “intestate.” Intestate succession is the process by which the remaining estate is divided up among the surviving family members. When there are multiple children, the law requires that the estate be divided among the children in equal portions. When all the children are of legal age, the assets are divided evenly. If minors are involved, a guardian will be appointed to manage the estate until the minors come of age. The executor of the estate is responsible for paying off any debts or taxes that the decedent owed from the remaining assets. Once all bills have been paid, the remaining assets are divided among the children. In Washington, surviving spouses have a right to the decedent’s estate, even if the decedent had multiple children. Surviving spouses are entitled to a one-third share of the estate. If the decedent had minor children, the surviving spouse is entitled to one-half of the estate. The remaining assets are divided among the children, again in equal portions. Intestate succession can be a complicated process, so it’s best to speak to an attorney in your area who is familiar with intestacy laws in Washington. An experienced lawyer can provide valuable advice on how to best distribute the assets among all the heirs in a fair and legal manner.

Related FAQs

How do state laws of intestacy apply to stepchildren?
What is a probate court and how does it handle intestate succession?
Who can file a claim for an intestate estate?
What happens to debts in an intestate estate?
What is the status of taxes in an intestate estate?
Is the surviving spouse always entitled to a share of the estate?
How is an intestate estate divided among multiple heirs?
Are there any restrictions on how an intestate succession can be challenged?
What are the filing deadlines for an intestate succession?
How do state laws of intestacy apply to adopted children?

How does intestate succession work when there are multiple children?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts