What stipulates who inherits and what share they receive?

The laws of descent dictate the process by which an individual’s property is transferred upon their death, specifically addressing who is entitled to inherit and the proportions they will receive. These laws come into play when a person dies intestate, meaning without a valid will. They establish a hierarchy of heirs, often prioritizing spouses, children, and extended family members, based on the legal statutes of the jurisdiction.

In contrast, wills and testaments allow individuals to specify their wishes for asset distribution upon their death. While they provide clear instructions, they only apply if a valid will exists. Deeds pertain to the legal transfer of property ownership during a person’s lifetime and do not have relevance in the context of inheritance after death. Gift agreements address the transfer of property while the giver is still alive and do not impact inheritance laws. Therefore, the laws of descent are specifically tailored to determining inheritance when there is no will in place.