How can an intestate estate be distributed if there is no will?

If someone dies in Washington without leaving a will, the intestate succession law in Washington dictates how the estate is distributed. This law states that the estate of a deceased individual who has not made a will, is distributed among the closest living family members. First and foremost, if the deceased individual’s spouse is still alive, they are entitled to the entire estate. If the deceased individual had children, the spouse is entitled to the first half, and the remaining half of the estate is split equally among the children. In the event of multiple children, the oldest child will not receive a larger share, as Washington’s intestate succession law states that it should be divided equally. If the deceased individual had no living siblings or children, the spouse is still entitled to the entire estate. If there is no spouse, the deceased individual’s parents still living are in line to receive everything. If the deceased individual’s parents are not living, the estate is divided equally among the siblings and their descendants. If the deceased individual had no living siblings or descendants, the state will receive the estate. In this case, the estate transitions from the deceased individual’s estate to the state, where it can be used to provide public services and benefits. In Washington, it is important to have a will, to ensure that the deceased individual’s wishes are followed when the estate is distributed. In the absence of a will, the intestate succession law will determine the estate distribution.

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How can an intestate estate be distributed if there is no will?

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