Final answer:
Real property transfers by intestate succession according to state intestacy laws when someone dies without a will, leaving the court to manage the distribution of assets.
Step-by-step explanation:
Real property transfers when a sole person dies leaving no will by intestate succession. This legal process is governed by the state intestacy laws, which determine the hierarchy of heirs such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
A will is a document that specifies a person's wishes for asset distribution upon their death, while a trust facilitates private asset transfer outside of probate court.
Without a will, the courts manage asset distribution, which can often lead to a public process exposing assets and intended recipients.
When a person dies without leaving a will, they are said to have died intestate. In this situation, the transfer of real property is determined by the state intestacy laws.
Each state has its own laws regarding the distribution of assets, which usually prioritize spouses, children, parents, and siblings in a hierarchical order.