If Marie dies intestate, how will her property be transferred?

When a person dies intestate, it means that they passed away without a legally recognized will. In such cases, the transfer of their property is governed by state law. Each state has its own legal framework that outlines how a deceased person’s assets will be distributed among their heirs.

The laws typically take into account the relationship of potential heirs to the decedent, prioritizing immediate family members first, such as spouses and children. If there are no direct descendants, the laws may further extend to parents, siblings, and other relatives. This system is designed to provide a fair and consistent method for distributing a deceased person's assets when they haven't made their intentions clear through a will.

In contrast, if a will were present, property would be distributed according to its terms, and wishes expressed by the decedent would play a significant role. However, because Marie died intestate, that option is not applicable, and the distribution does not rely on her individual desires or the proximity of her relatives without the framework of state laws.