What Happens if I Die Without a Will

Who inherits if you die without a will? If there is no will in place, Tennessee allows intestate succession.  If property is owned by the deceased, there are a few scenarios:  If there is a spouse but no children, the spouse inherits.  If there is no spouse and there are surviving children, the children inherit equally.  If there is a spouse and children in Tennessee, the spouse receives either 1/3^rd or a child’s equal share.  For example, if there is one child, the spouse receives 50%.  However, the are additional provisions in place for the surviving spouse such as homestead allowance and personal property exemption.