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Simple English definitions for legal terms
succession
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A quick definition of succession:
Succession: When someone dies without a will, their property is given to their family members according to the law. This is called succession. It means that the things the person owned, like their house or money, are passed down to their family. Succession also includes any new things that happen after the person dies, like bills that need to be paid or new money that is earned.
A more thorough explanation:
Succession is a legal term that refers to the process of inheriting the rights and obligations of another person. This can include property, money, and other assets that are left behind when someone dies.
When someone dies without a valid will, their property is distributed according to the state's intestate succession laws. These laws determine who inherits the property and in what order. For example, if someone dies without a will and is survived by a spouse and children, the spouse may inherit a portion of the property while the children inherit the rest.
Succession also includes any new rights, obligations, or charges that arise after the opening of the succession. For example, if the deceased owed money to someone, the person who inherits their property may also inherit the obligation to pay off that debt.
Overall, succession is an important legal concept that helps ensure that property is distributed fairly and according to the wishes of the deceased (if they had a valid will) or according to state law (if they did not have a will).