Descent (Inheritance)

Definition: The passage of property to heirs under intestate-succession law when no valid will governs that property.

Example

An intestate owner's qualifying heirs inherit under Florida's statutory order rather than under a written devise.

Keep the distinction clear

Descent is not the same as a gift under a will. Survivorship ownership and beneficiary designations can also transfer property outside intestate succession.

Related terms

Intestate · Devise · Right of Survivorship

Keep studying

FREC Course I Syllabus: What to Study for the Sales Associate State Exam

References: Florida Statutes 732.101: intestate estate · Florida Statutes 731.201: probate definitions

Pronunciation (US): dih-SENT (capitals show stress)

Pronunciation reference: Merriam-Webster