Intestate succession refers to the process by which a person's assets are distributed when they die without a valid will. In such cases, state laws determine how the deceased's property is divided among their heirs, typically prioritizing close relatives like spouses, children, and parents. The rules of intestate succession can vary significantly by jurisdiction, meaning that the distribution of assets may differ depending on where the person lived. This legal framework ensures that the deceased's estate is handled fairly, even in the absence of explicit instructions from the deceased regarding their wishes.