Legal Definitions - descend

Definition:

Descend (verb): To transfer ownership of a deceased person's property to their heirs according to the laws of intestate succession.

Examples:

• When John died without a will, his estate descended to his children.
• According to state law, if a person dies without a will, their property will descend to their closest living relatives.

Explanation: When a person dies without a will, their property is distributed according to the laws of intestate succession. This means that the property will descend to the deceased person's heirs, usually their closest living relatives such as their spouse, children, or parents. The examples illustrate how the term "descend" is used to describe the transfer of ownership of a deceased person's property to their heirs.