An order or series of descendants; lineage; race; descent.

One of the ways in which one or more living persons may acquire control of property from a deceased person. If this occurs by virtue of a will it is known as testamentary succession. If there is no will the term intestate succession is used.

The legal transfer of a decedent's assets and rights to his/her heirs.

acquisition of property by descent or by will

a legal proceeding wherein the heirs of the deceased person are recognized, his property is listed, and a will, if there is one, is probated (recognized by the court as the last will and testament and put into effect)

The process of transferring the assets of a deceased person to the persons entitled to receive those assets.

The conveyance of property to the heirs of a deceased person under the laws governing intestate distribution of assets.

The estate of the deceased as well as the act of determining and transferring the estate and rights to the heirs or legatees --the successors.

The legal transfer of a person's interest in real property under the laws of descent and distribution. If a person dies without a will (intestate) his or her real estate will pass directly to the person's heirs as defined by the state law in which the real estate is located, subject to the debts of the decedent. A court in the state where the decedent lived will appoint a person called an administrator to dispose of the property of the estate. The administrator will collect the assets of the estate, pay debts, and distribute the remainder. The administrator is usually required to put up a bond and may sell that real property which is necessary to pay off the estate's debts if the sale of personal property produces insufficient proceeds. The real estate remains charged with debts of the estate until the state's statute of limitations has expired. States have different rules as to who receives property of the decedent. For example, depending on the state, a wife might receive half the property, the same share as the children, a dower's share, or the entire property.

The devolution of title to property under the law of descent and distribution.

The passing of property or legal rights after death. The word commonly refers to the distribution of property under a state’s intestate succession laws, which determine who inherits property when someone dies without a valid will. When used in connection with real estate, the word refers to the passing of property by will or inheritance, as opposed to gift, grant, or purchase.