descent and distribution
n. the system of laws which determine who will inherit and divide the possessions of a person who has died without a will (intestate). See also: degree of kinship descent inheritance intestate succession.

desert
v. to intentionally abandon a person or thing.

desertion
n. the act of abandoning, particularly leaving one's spouse and/or children without an intent to return. In desertion cases it is often expected that a deserter who is the family breadwinner may not intend to support the family he/she left.

determinable
adj. defining something which may be terminated upon the occurrence of a particular event, used primarily to describe an interest in real property, such as a fee simple determinable, in which property is deeded to another,

deuce
n. slang term for a drunk driving conviction. The term originated in California, where the offense was once governed by Section 502 of the California Vehicle Code

devise
1) v. an old-fashioned word for giving real property by a will, as distinguished from words for giving personal property. 2) n. the gift of real property by will. See also: bequest gift legacy remise will.

devisee
n. a person who receives a gift of real property by a will. The distinction between gifts of real property and personal property is actually blurred, so terms like beneficiary or legatee cover those receiving any gift by a will. See also: beneficiar ...