How do state laws of intestacy apply to domestic partners?

In Pennsylvania, intestate succession laws apply to domestic partners in much the same way they do for married couples. If a person passes away without a will, any property they owned will pass to their surviving domestic partner. This includes property acquired during the domestic partnership as well as property that was held in both of their names, such as a house or a bank account. Additionally, the surviving domestic partner has the right to petition the court for “year’s support,” which is a limited amount of money from the deceased partner’s estate. It is important to note that in Pennsylvania, the law does not recognize same-sex marriages or same-sex domestic partnerships, so if a same-sex couple is in a romantic relationship but not in a recognized civil union, then the laws of intestacy may not apply to them. In this case, it is important for the couple to create a valid will so that their wishes for the distribution of their property are known. In summary, intestate succession laws in Pennsylvania apply to domestic partners in much the same way they do to married couples. It is important to note, however, that the laws may not apply to same-sex couples who are not in a recognized civil union, and it is best for such couples to create a valid will to be certain that their wishes for the distribution of their property are known.

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How do state laws of intestacy apply to domestic partners?

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