Legal Heirs of an Unmarried Woman: Intestate Succession Basics

When an unmarried woman dies without a will (intestate), state law determines heirs. General priority order (varies by state):

1. Children (biological and legally adopted) – share equally
2. Parents – if no descendants
3. Siblings (full and half) – if no parents; nieces/nephews may inherit per stirpes if sibling predeceased
4. Grandparents – if no siblings
5. Next of kin – aunts/uncles, cousins, further relatives per state statute

Critical Variables

• State law governs: Uniform Probate Code (UPC) states differ from non-UPC states.
• Escheat: If no identifiable heirs, estate goes to state.
• Valid will overrides: Any properly executed will controls distribution.
• Non-probate assets: Joint tenancy, POD/TOD accounts, life insurance, retirement beneficiaries pass outside intestacy.

Consult an estate attorney or probate court in the decedent's domicile state for definitive heir determination.