Legally, a person’s estate refers to an individual’s total assets, minus any liabilities. Generally, an individual draws up a will which explains the testator’s intentions for the distribution of their estate upon their death. A person who receives assets through inheritance is called a beneficiary.

How is property distributed?

Courts divide property under one of two basic schemes: community property or equitable distribution. Debts are divided according to the same principles. Community property. At divorce, community property is generally divided equally between the spouses, while each spouse keeps his or her separate property.

What distributes a person’s property at death?

To have died “in intestacy” means a court-appointed administrator will compile any assets of the deceased, pay any liabilities, and distribute the remaining assets to those parties deemed as beneficiaries. The probate process for an intestate estate includes distributing the decedent’s assets according to state laws.

How is personal property distributed in an estate?

The property also may have a significant personal value to some or all of the beneficiaries. In some cases, tangible personal property is distributed easily and without issue among the beneficiaries. In others, multiple beneficiaries may want the same item of property, which puts an added burden on the administrator of the estate.

What is the difference between community property and equitable distribution?

Featured In. The main difference between community property and equitable distribution is that in community property states, there is an absolute 50-50 split of all property acquired during the marriage. In equitable distribution states, more assets may be considered “marital property,” but the split is not necessarily 50-50.

What do you need to know before distributing an estate?

Before distributing the estate, the executor or administrator may publish a notice of intended distribution and pay the debts of the deceased. For more information, see After probate or administration and Dealing with the estate debts. There are rules that you will need to follow to transfer certain types of property.

Can a person distribute an estate without probate?

For more information see Transferring personal property and Transferring real property. You should get legal advice before distributing an estate without a grant of probate or administration. After the grant of Probate or Letters of Administration is made by the Court the executor or administrator can start to distribute the estate.