How estates with no will are divided in Kentucky
Those who die without a valid will (this is known as intestate) in Kentucky do not automatically have all assets transferred to the surviving spouse. Unlike most other states, Kentucky has a “dower and curtesy” (DAC) approach to inheritance. Under the DAC inheritance structure, the surviving spouse gets the dower share of the estate but not the whole estate. The dower share amount is based on the estate's size and if there are children or grandchildren from the marriage. If there are no descendants, the order for beneficiaries is the decedent's parents, then siblings, and then nieces and...