Final answer:
If a person dies intestate, the distribution of their assets depends on various factors. It can be distributed equally among children, go to the surviving spouse, be distributed among the closest living relatives, or be donated to charity.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a person dies without having a will, they are considered to have died intestate. In such cases, the passing of assets is controlled by state intestacy laws. The distribution of the intestate share depends on the specific circumstances.
Unless intentional, provided for parent, or outside property for child:
- If there are children, the intestate share is usually distributed equally among them.
- If there is a surviving spouse, they may receive the entire intestate share.
- If there are no children or surviving spouse, the intestate share may be distributed among the closest living relatives, such as parents or siblings.
- Donating the intestate share to charity is also a possibility, but it would usually need to be specified in a will or trust.