How is inheritance distributed without a will?

In most cases, your property is distributed in split shares to your “heirs,” which could include your surviving spouse, parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and distant relatives. Generally, when no relatives can be found, the entire estate goes to the state.

Can you have a beneficiary without a will?

You must be a beneficiary in the Will or an heir if the person died without a Will. Other people may qualify too, like the guardian or conservator of the estate. For a complete list, see Probate Code § 13051.

How does the intestate law work in Missouri?

Intestate Law Missouri intestacy laws set forth the order in which a decedent’s heirs will inherit his estate if he dies without a will. Under Missouri Revised Statute 474.010 (1), the surviving spouse is the first to inherit from the decedent’s estate. If there are no surviving descendants, the spouse inherits the entire estate.

What are the inheritance laws in the state of Missouri?

According to the inheritance laws of Missouri, which does not recognize common law marriages, spouses are entitled to 100% of the intestate estate if there are no surviving children. If you have children, your spouse is entitled to the first $20,000 in value of the estate, plus 50% of the balance of the estate.

What happens if a person dies in Missouri without a will?

The intestacy succession laws found in the Missouri Probate Code dictate who inherits a deceased person’s probate estate when a Missouri resident dies without having made a last will and testament.

Who is the first person to inherit in Missouri?

Under Missouri Revised Statute 474.010 (1), the surviving spouse is the first to inherit from the decedent’s estate. If there are no surviving descendants, the spouse inherits the entire estate.

What happens if you die without a will in Missouri?

If you die without a will in Missouri, your children will receive an “intestate share” of your property. The size of each child’s share depends on how many children you have, whether or not you are married, and whether your spouse is also their parent.