What does interstate succession refer to?

Interstate succession occurs when a person passes away without a valid will, meaning they have not designated a specific way for their property to be distributed upon their death. In such cases, state laws determine how the deceased's assets will be allocated among surviving heirs. Each state has its own set of intestacy laws that govern this process, which typically prioritize distribution to immediate family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, depending on the specific circumstances.

This concept is distinct from scenarios involving valid wills, where property distribution is guided by the deceased's explicit wishes as stated in the will. Similarly, the transfer of property across state lines is not connected to the concept of interstate succession, which specifically pertains to the distribution of assets after death without a will.