How your estate is shared when you die
The death of a loved one is painful for those left behind. That pain can be worsened by squabbles among family members for assets left behind by the deceased.
The estate of a deceased person is commonly distributed based on the wishes of the deceased, as stipulated in a written will. If no will exists, the estate is said to be intestate and is divided among your surviving spouse, children, parents or siblings, according to a set formula as stipulated by Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987.