Final answer:
Sue Denley would be considered intestate since she died without leaving a valid will. Her assets would be distributed based on state intestacy laws, guided by a court during probate proceedings.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Sue Denley died suddenly without leaving a valid will, she would be considered to have died intestate. Being intestate means that there is no legal will to direct the distribution of her assets after her death. Therefore, the distribution of her estate will be conducted according to state intestacy laws, which outline a hierarchy of heirs such as spouses, children, parents, siblings, and so forth.
Under these circumstances, the courts take control of the estate to ensure that the assets are distributed in a manner consistent with state laws. This process often involves court proceedings known as probate, where a judge decides how to allocate the assets of the deceased.