Assuming the deceased is an American, a decedent's estate with no will (or living trust) will go through what's called "intestate succession." What that means, essentially, is that the probate code of the state in which the decedent's estate will be probated will decide how to distribute the assets. If there are no heirs, the assets of the estate will "escheat" (transfer) back to the state, but they can be claimed again when an heir is found.