What is the difference between intestate and testate succession?

Intestate succession and testate succession are two methods of distributing property after a person has passed away. Intestate succession is when a person dies without leaving a valid will. In this case, the assets they leave behind will be distributed according to Virginia state laws. This distribution of assets may not be what the decedent wanted, and it may exclude close family members. Testate succession is when a person dies with a valid will. In this case, the assets are distributed according to the decedent’s wishes as stated in the will. This type of distribution of assets can be more tailored to the decedent’s wishes, and it can allow family members to receive the assets that the decedent wanted them to receive. The primary difference between intestate and testate succession is that with intestate succession, the person’s assets are distributed according to state law instead of according to the deceased’s wishes, while with testate succession, the assets are distributed according to the decedent’s wishes as stated in the will. Both intestate and testate succession are important tools to ensure that a deceased person’s wishes are followed after death.

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