How is the estate of a deceased husband, who left no will, divided among his wife and two adult children?

In South Dakota, when a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the state's intestacy laws. For a deceased husband with a wife and two adult children, the law designates that the spouse inherits a significant portion of the estate.

In this scenario, since there are no provisions made by the deceased in the form of a will, the intestacy statutes apply. Generally, under such laws, the surviving spouse is entitled to a substantial share of the estate, often all of it if there are no minor children involved. In circumstances where the decedent leaves a spouse and adult children, the spouse typically receives a larger portion, demonstrating the intent to prioritize the surviving partner's needs and financial security.

Therefore, the correct choice reflects this legal framework, stating that all of the estate passes to the wife. Understanding these laws is crucial for anyone involved in estate planning or real estate transactions, as they affect how assets are handled in the absence of a will.