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Who inherits property if someone dies intestate with no immediate family?

Who inherits property if someone dies intestate with no immediate family?

Full question:

My friend died of heart attack two days after his wife passed away in a car accident in North Dakota. They do not have any kids and both of them do not have parents now. The only person living in surviving them is my friend’s wife’s maternal grandmother who stays in the same town. My friend has left behind a huge property, and no will. Who would get the property? Are grandparents eligible to get intestate share?

Category: Wills and Estates
Subcategory: Intestacy
Date: 04/07/2025
State: North Dakota

Answer:

When a person dies without a will (intestate) and has no immediate family, their property usually goes to the state unless there are distant relatives. In North Dakota, the law (N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 30.1-04-03) outlines the order of inheritance:

If there are descendants, the property goes to them.
If no descendants, it goes to the parents, if they are alive.
If no descendants or parents, it goes to the descendants of the parents (the deceased's siblings or their children).
If there are no surviving descendants, parents, or their descendants, the property is divided among surviving grandparents or their descendants.

In your friend's case, since there are no children, parents, or siblings, the property would go to the surviving maternal grandmother. If she is the only surviving relative, she would inherit the property.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What happens if someone gets killed in an accident?

If someone is killed in an accident, their estate may be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death claim. This claim can be filed by the deceased's family members or beneficiaries. The compensation can cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. If the deceased had no will, state intestacy laws will determine how their assets are distributed. In North Dakota, if there are no immediate family members, the property may go to distant relatives or the state.

What happens when someone dies in an accident?

When someone dies in an accident, authorities typically investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The deceased's family may need to arrange for the body to be transported and may also need to handle funeral arrangements. If the deceased had a will, it will guide the distribution of their assets. If not, intestacy laws will apply, determining how property is distributed among surviving relatives, as per North Dakota law.

Can a heart attack be caused by a car accident?

While a heart attack is primarily a medical condition, the stress and trauma from a car accident could potentially trigger one in susceptible individuals. If a heart attack occurs as a direct result of an accident, it may be considered part of the accident's consequences. In such cases, it could impact wrongful death claims or insurance settlements, depending on the circumstances.

What happens to the body when someone dies at the scene of an accident?

When someone dies at the scene of an accident, emergency services are called to confirm the death. The body is typically covered and left in place until authorities complete their investigation. Once the investigation is done, the body is transported to a medical examiner's office for an autopsy if necessary. The family will then be notified, and arrangements for the body can be made.

What happens in an accidental death?

In an accidental death, an investigation is usually conducted to determine the cause and circumstances. If negligence is involved, the deceased's family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against responsible parties. The deceased's estate will also need to settle any debts and distribute assets according to their will or state intestacy laws if no will exists.

What happens if someone dies after a car accident?

If someone dies after a car accident, the situation is treated similarly to an immediate death. An investigation is conducted to ascertain the cause of death, which may involve medical examinations. The deceased's family can pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence is involved. Additionally, the deceased's assets will be distributed according to their will or state intestacy laws if no will exists.