How are assets distributed in an intestate estate?

When someone dies without leaving a valid will in New York, their estate is considered intestate, and the assets are distributed according to state laws. In New York, intestate succession laws determine the order in which the assets of the deceased person will be distributed or shared among the heirs or beneficiaries. When distributing the assets, the law considers all living relatives of the deceased person, including divorces spouses, surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and any other relatives that may have a legal claim. If the deceased person does not have any living relatives, or his or her relatives do not have a legal claim, then the state law considers the heirs as next of kin or other legal claims of the deceased person. Each state handles intestate succession differently, so it is important to check the state laws for specifics. In New York, when distributing the assets of an intestate estate, a surviving spouse is first entitled to the entire estate. Children and grandchildren of deceased can share the estate, and when there is no surviving spouse, children and grandchildren of the deceased are entitled to the entire estate. If the deceased has no surviving spouse or children, the estate will be distributed among the relatives in the order of their legal claim. Other relatives, such as siblings, parents, and distant relatives, may also be entitled to some part of the estate, depending on state law.

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