What is an Intestate Estate?

An intestate estate is an estate in which an individual dies without leaving a will. This means that the person did not specify how they wanted their property and possessions divided and who they wanted them to go to. Intestacy law in North Dakota outlines the rules for the distribution of the estate in these cases. Generally, the immediate family members, such as a spouse, children, parents, or siblings, will inherit the deceased’s estate. If the deceased does not have any family members, then the estate will be given to the state. The intestacy laws in North Dakota are designed to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are respected as much as possible. This includes who receives the estate and in what proportions. The assets of the deceased will first be used to pay any debts they had and then the remaining assets will be distributed according to the intestacy laws of North Dakota. Therefore, it is important to have a will in place to make sure that your estate is handled according to your wishes.

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