Intestate Succession

What is Intestate Succession in Roman Law?

Intestate succession occurs when a person dies without a valid will, leading to the distribution of their estate according to statutory laws. In Roman law, this process determines how the deceased's assets are allocated among heirs, typically prioritising family members based on their relationship to the deceased.

In Context

Intestate succession is critical in ensuring that an estate is fairly distributed when no testament exists. A notable example is the case of Cicero v. Plancus, where the court had to determine the rightful heirs of a deceased individual who had not left a will. The ruling highlighted the principles of intestate succession, ensuring that the estate was divided among the closest relatives, reflecting the Roman emphasis on familial ties in inheritance matters.

See Also

• Testamentary Succession

• Hereditas

• Legitim

Learn More

For a thorough understanding of intestate succession and its implications in Roman law, explore our Roman Law Notes for comprehensive insights and relevant case studies.