According to intestacy rules, what is the first step after a person's death?

The first step after a person's death under intestacy rules is to determine how the estate should be divided. This initial action is critical because it establishes the beneficiaries who will inherit from the estate according to the laws of intestate succession.

When a person dies without a will, the distribution of their assets is governed by statutory rules, which vary by jurisdiction. Understanding these rules allows the personal representative or executor to assess the rightful heirs and the shares they are entitled to receive. This step lays the groundwork for the entire probate process, as it clarifies who will ultimately benefit from the estate and informs subsequent actions like notifying creditors and paying debts.

The resolution of how assets are divided must precede actions such as notifying creditors or settling debts. Knowing the beneficiaries and their respective shares informs how the estate's assets will be handled and distributed throughout the process.