New York Law (NYLE) Practice Exam

In Bob's intestate estate distribution, how is the estate divided among his heirs?

1. Joe and Steve each receive $75,000.

2. Joe and Steve each receive $37,500; Pete, Julia, and Chris each receive $25,500.

3. Joe, Steve, Pete, Julia, and Chris each receive $30,000.

4. Joe, Steve, and Chris each receive $37,500; Pete and Julia each receive $18,750.

The correct answer is: Joe and Steve each receive $37,500; Pete, Julia, and Chris each receive $25,500.

In the context of intestate succession under New York law, when a person dies without a will, the estate is distributed in accordance with the laws governing intestate estates. The distribution of the estate depends on the relationships between the deceased and the heirs. In the given scenario, if Bob has multiple heirs, including Joe, Steve, Pete, Julia, and Chris, the correct division of the estate would involve equally distributing the assets among those who meet the legal criteria for inheritance based on their closeness to the decedent. Assuming Bob has no surviving spouse and is distributing his estate solely among these children or relatives, the laws dictate that the estate be divided based on the number of heirs. If Joe and Steve are each entitled to an equal share, along with Pete, Julia, and Chris, the total inheritance would be computed and divided accordingly. The answer indicating that Joe and Steve each receive $37,500 while Pete, Julia, and Chris receive $25,500 demonstrates a scenario where the total estate sums to a figure that allows for a proportionate division reflecting their legal rights. This approach aligns with the principle of equal treatment in intestacy situations, where heirs of the same class tend to share equally unless otherwise designated by statute or specific legal