What distribution is made if a decedent is not survived by a spouse or descendants?

When a decedent is not survived by a spouse or descendants, the distribution of their estate typically follows the intestacy laws of the jurisdiction. These laws generally prioritize close relatives. In this scenario, if the decedent has surviving parents, the estate would be distributed entirely to them. If only one parent survives, that parent would receive the entire estate.

This reflects the underlying legal principle that parents are considered primary heirs when direct descendants (such as children) are absent.

The other options reflect alternative distributions based on different familial relationships or situations. For instance, if there were surviving collateral kin (such as siblings or cousins), they would inherit only in the absence of both parents. Similarly, grandparents or the state would only inherit if there were no surviving parents. Thus, the correct understanding of the distribution to parents is rooted in the priority of kinship established by intestacy laws.