If a childless widower dies which of his uncle or his wife's niece inherits?

* Most people have a Will drawn up and each individual has a right to leave part or all of their Estate to anyone they choose and this includes churches to charities. Until the Will is read then no one in this case will know if they are an heir or not. ==Additional Answer== * If the childless widower died intestate then his property will pass according to the laws of intestacy of the state where he lived. In that case his wife's niece would generally not be an heir. You can check the laws of your state at the related question below.