What law applies to the inheritance of real property after a decedent's death?

The principle that governs the inheritance of real property after a decedent's death is dependent on the law of the state where the property is located. This is known as the doctrine of "lex situs," which dictates that real property is governed by the law of the jurisdiction in which the property resides.

Real property laws, including laws regarding inheritance and succession, vary significantly from one state to another. Thus, when a person passes away, the legal process of distributing their real estate is determined by the laws of the state where that property is located, regardless of where the decedent was domiciled, where the will was executed, or where the beneficiaries live.

In this context, domicile laws may influence personal property inheritance but do not apply to real property. Similarly, the state of will execution might affect the validity of the will but does not govern the transfer of real property. Finally, the residence of the beneficiaries does not play a role in determining the relevant legal framework for real property inheritance. Therefore, the applicable law for the inheritance of real property is dictated by the location of the property itself.