What is 'descent' in terms of property transmission?

Descent refers specifically to the method by which property is passed down to heirs when a person dies without leaving a will, a situation often termed as "intestate." When this occurs, the laws of descent and distribution in the relevant jurisdiction govern how the deceased's assets are distributed among surviving relatives. These laws outline which family members are entitled to inherit and how the property is divided, typically favoring close relatives such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents or siblings.

In contrast, transferring property through a will is known as "testate succession," which is not applicable in the context of descent. Conveying property via a deed pertains to property transfers during the owner's life, while health-related property transfer would involve different legal considerations, such as power of attorney or medical directiveness, which are not related to descent specifically. Therefore, the focus on inheritance without a will is what accurately defines descent in property transmission.