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Inheritance Calculator: Who Inherits Without a Will?

See how supported states may distribute probate assets when someone dies without a will. The main variables are family structure, property classification, and whether the asset is even part of the probate estate.

Currently available for California, Florida, and Texas. More states coming soon.

What the calculator actually answers

This calculator is about default inheritance rules, not every asset the person owned. The first question is whether the property is a probate asset. If it passes by trust, beneficiary designation, or survivorship rights, intestate succession may not control it at all.

Once you isolate the probate assets, family structure becomes decisive. A spouse-only case can look very different from a blended-family case, and community-property states can produce different answers from common-law-property states.

Family structure matters most

The result can change quickly depending on whether there is a spouse, descendants, parents, siblings, or a blended family.

State law controls the shares

Each state has its own intestate succession rules, and some states distinguish between community and separate property.

Probate assets only

The calculator is most useful after you separate probate assets from property that already transfers by beneficiary, trust, or survivorship.

What to check before relying on the result

Confirm whether there is a valid will, whether any property is jointly owned, whether accounts have current beneficiaries, and whether the state recognizes community-property distinctions that matter to your fact pattern. Those issues often change the practical outcome more than people expect.

After this calculator, review asset structure with the estate value calculator, check non-probate transfers with the beneficiary checker, and read the intestate succession guide for more detailed context.

Official sources we rely on

The baseline inheritance and executor context comes from public-interest and government sources. Our source standards are described in the editorial process.

IRS Publication 559 for survivors, executors, and administratorsVisit sourceCFPB guide to managing someone else’s moneyVisit source

Common questions

Who inherits if there is no will?
When someone dies without a will, probate assets generally pass under the state's intestate succession rules. The exact result depends on the surviving spouse, descendants, parents, siblings, and sometimes the property classification used by that state.
Does a spouse always inherit everything?
No. In some cases the surviving spouse takes the full probate estate, but in others the spouse shares with descendants or other relatives. Community-property and separate-property distinctions can also change the answer.
What assets are subject to intestate succession?
Usually only probate assets. Property that passes by beneficiary designation, joint ownership with survivorship rights, or trust ownership often bypasses intestate succession entirely.
Can this calculator replace legal advice?
No. It is a planning tool. Family structure questions, adopted children, posthumous heirs, half-siblings, omitted spouses, and property-title issues can all affect the real result under state law.

Note: This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are not legal advice. Fees and requirements may vary. Full disclaimer

Information current as of April 11, 2026

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.