Songs to Teach Intestacy By

Assistant Professor Julia Belian of Creighton University supplied me with the following song lyrics which she finds useful in teaching intestacy concepts.  Now if only I could sing —

THE BASIC RULES OF INTESTATE SUCCESSION

No one takes if they have an ancestor who takes.
(Set to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)

If your parent got a share, then you get none;
If your parent got a share, then you get none;
You can only get a share
If your dad’s (mom’s) no longer there
If your parent got a share, then you get none.

“The Rule”
(Set to the tune of “Yankee Doodle”)

One share for each child then living,
one share for each child who
predeceased but only if they still have living issue.
Every distribution scheme
Splits the shares the same way;
Use this rule on your exam
And you can get a good grade!

Per stirpes distribution
(Set to the tune of “Three Blind Mice”)

Per stirpes, per stirpes
By the roots of the family trees
Siblings will have to divide one share.
“Only” kids end up as  only heir!
Big families think it is so unfair
With per stirpes.

Per capita distribution
(set to the tune of “Silent Night”)

Bundle and drop, bundle and drop,
Per capita, bundle and drop.
Shares of decedents with issue alive
Add them together and then you divide
All their kids take equally;
All their kids take equally.