What is the difference between intestate and testate succession?

Intestate succession and testate succession are two ways in which property can be inherited. The main difference between intestate and testate succession lies in the presence or absence of a will. In intestate succession, the deceased person does not have a will or the will is invalid. In this situation, the state law will determine how the property is divided. Generally, this means that the property is distributed amongst surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, parents, siblings, and more distant relatives. In contrast, testate succession involves a valid will. This means that the deceased person has specifically laid out how they would like their property to be distributed. This includes who will receive it, how much they will receive, and under what conditions. The will is a legally binding document, so family members must abide by the wishes of the deceased person. In conclusion, the main difference between intestate and testate succession lies in the presence or absence of a valid will. In intestate succession, there is no will, so the property is distributed as the state law dictates. In testate succession, there is a valid will, so the property is distributed as the deceased person has specified.

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