What happens if a person dies without a valid will in Ontario?

In Ontario, when a person dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to intestacy rules. These rules dictate how the deceased's assets will be divided among their surviving relatives, which typically follows a hierarchy based on familial relationships. For instance, if the deceased has a spouse and children, the spouse will generally receive a significant portion of the estate, with the remainder divided among the children.

The intestacy rules ensure that the estate is distributed fairly and in a manner that reflects the intentions one might typically expect if they had made a will. This legal framework provides clarity and structure, preventing disputes among potential heirs and ensuring compliance with the law.

The other choices presented do not accurately depict the process that occurs when a person dies intestate in Ontario. An estate is not buried in a mass grave, managed solely by the government, or required to be auctioned off; instead, it is legally entitled to be distributed among the rightful heirs as per intestacy norms.