Burton | The Image Bank | Getty ImagesWhat happens if a loved one dies without a will?
Millions of us are bound to find out, as two-thirds of American adults have no will, according to a recent Caring.com study.
"But while the court distributes the property, it is ultimately up to the survivors to claim their rights to it," he said.
For an intestate situation, the probate court appoints an executor for the estate who will follow a process according to the laws of the state where the deceased lived.
"Generally speaking, this process, as a first step, involves identifying the kinship, aka bloodline, of the deceased," Ponnapalli said.