What legal principle governs the distribution of assets when a will is invalid?

When a will is deemed invalid, the principle that governs the distribution of assets is intestacy laws. These laws apply in situations where a decedent dies without leaving a valid will. Intestacy laws outline how the deceased's assets will be distributed among surviving heirs, typically prioritizing relatives such as spouses, children, and parents according to a set hierarchy established by state law.

The application of intestacy laws ensures that the deceased's estate is handled in a manner that reflects the presumed intentions of the deceased regarding familial relationships, despite the absence of a valid will. Each state has its specific rules and regulations governing the distribution of estates under these circumstances.

Other options, while related to estate law, do not directly address the scenario of asset distribution when a will is invalid. Probate laws deal with the process of validating and executing a will, whereas statutory provisions may provide general rules but don't specifically address cases of intestacy. Distribution agreements are typically arrangements made by individuals regarding the allocation of their assets and are not a governing principle in intestacy situations.