What does intestate succession law govern?

Intestate succession law governs the distribution of assets for a deceased person who has not left behind a valid will. When someone dies intestate, meaning without a will, the laws of intestate succession dictate how their property and estate will be distributed among heirs and beneficiaries. These laws vary by state, with Colorado having specific statutes that outline the hierarchy of beneficiaries, generally starting with spouses and children, followed by other relatives.

In the context of this question, the focus is on how property is handled when there is no expressed intent from the deceased as laid out in a will. This contrasts with scenarios where a will exists, where the distribution of assets would proceed according to the deceased individual's wishes as articulated in that will. Thus, the significance of intestate succession is especially pronounced in cases where individuals have not made their preferences known through a will, thereby necessitating a legal framework to ensure an orderly transfer of their estate.