Generally, only spouses, registered domestic partners, and blood relatives inherit under intestate succession

laws; unmarried partners, friends, and charities get nothing. If the deceased person was married, the surviving spouse usually gets the largest share. ... To find the rules in your state, see Intestate Succession.

How are assets divided if there is no will?

In most cases, the estate of a person who died without making a will is divided between their heirs, which can be their surviving spouse, uncle, aunt, parents, nieces, nephews, and distant relatives. If, however, no relatives come forward to claim their share in the property, the entire estate goes to the state.

What happens to assets when someone dies without a will?

When someone dies without a will, it is called intestate. ... When someone dies intestate, the California probate estate must be administered, distributing his or her property. Their assets will go to the deceased's closest relatives under California's intestate success laws.