Ace the Arizona Real Estate Exam 2026 – Unlock Your Property Dreams!

When a person dies intestate, meaning they have not left a valid will, their property is distributed according to state law. Each state has established its own laws regarding intestate succession, which dictate how an individual's assets will be divided among surviving relatives. This typically prioritizes immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, in a specific order.

This process is necessary to ensure that the estate is settled fairly and in accordance with the legal framework of the state where the deceased lived. Intestate laws are designed to reflect a common understanding of how property should be distributed when a person's wishes are not explicitly stated in a will.

In contrast, a testator's wishes would only apply if a valid will existed; local ordinances do not override state laws regarding estate distribution; and while the probate court plays a role in overseeing the distribution, it merely enacts the rules set forth by state law rather than making independent decisions about property distribution in cases of intestacy.