Which term refers to rules dictating who can inherit property when someone dies without a will?

The term that refers to rules dictating who can inherit property when someone dies without a will is the "Laws of descent." These laws establish the framework for the distribution of a deceased person's assets in the absence of a will, guiding how property is to be allocated among surviving relatives according to defined relationships and statutory priority.

Legislation concerning laws of descent typically outlines a structured hierarchy of heirs, such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings, ensuring that the estate is divided fairly per state law. This system aims to address situations where an individual passes away intestate (without a will), providing clarity and order in the transfer of inheritance.

Other terms, such as estate laws and testamentary laws, generally address broader concepts surrounding estate planning and the execution of wills. Inheritance statutes, although related to the passing of property after death, do not explicitly define the rules governing descent in the absence of a will, making "Laws of descent" the most accurate term for this specific scenario.