text: what happens in west virginia when someone has no will? i have a friend who's great aunt passed away. they have recently found out that she has a lot of money and things that will need to be divided. so far they haven't found a will and they thought that everything would then go to the closest living relative. since then they have found out the land she was living on the deed for it is in her and her 2 sisters names and since one sister has passed away her son steps in and takes her part. the son is trying to take a lot more than his half and there are a lot of sentimental things that some of the family would like to have but are afraid that they will have to sell everything on the estate just to divide it all up. please if you have any advice or websites that would help it would be much appreciated. they don't have a lawyer as of yet they were trying not to go there but will if they have to. thanks! if the land is deeded to the sister, it will fall to her since the is the living relative, as for the ladies property and belongings... since he is next of kin and there isn't a will it all falls to him, along with any debt that is incurred from the dead.... the only thing that can be done is to contest, but that doesn't always work....... just had this appen to my in laws a few years ago and they live in w.va   hope this helps