end of life distribution to heirs

Terry Says

Your will or revocable living trust determines the distribution of your assets after death. You get to decide who gets what — subject to state laws about spousal privilege.
And your will would also specify what happens if one of your heirs predeceases you — perhaps with the balance going to his/her children, or if the heir is not alive, going to a charity you determine.

But if you die without a will –intestate — the state law where you reside determines who gets what. It’s a long process, overseen by the courts. Most states provide for a spousal benefit of at least half of the estate, with the balance being distributed to children, or other heirs.
But you really should make a simple will to avoid this process, which is also costly. The state will take legal fees and deduct costs.