Common situation
When a sibling dies without a spouse and without children, the surviving siblings (and often parents if living) become the closest heirs. This brings unexpected responsibility, particularly if you are not local or did not expect to be involved in their affairs. The probate process is similar to other situations, but the heir hierarchy is different.
Without a spouse or descendants, the deceased's parents typically inherit first if living, then siblings (or the children of any siblings who pre-deceased).
You may discover assets and accounts you did not know about. Without a spouse to manage day to day affairs, paperwork may be scattered.
If the deceased lived alone, you may need to handle the home, vehicle, pets, and personal property without much guidance about what they would have wanted.
Intestate succession varies. In most states, if the parents are living, they inherit before siblings. Some states split between parents and siblings. Half siblings sometimes inherit equally with full siblings, sometimes not.
In most states, the surviving parents inherit first. If parents are not living, the siblings (and the children of any pre-deceased siblings) share equally.
You can decline. The court will then appoint the next eligible person, often another sibling or a court approved professional administrator.
If they owned it outright, it becomes a probate asset. Often the most practical path is to clean it out, list it for sale, and divide the proceeds among heirs. Keep receipts as estate expenses.
Pets are legally personal property under estate law, but practically you want to find a loving home immediately. A friend, another family member, or a local rescue organization are common options.
It depends on the state. Most modern intestate laws treat half siblings equally with full siblings, but some older statutes give full siblings a double share.