What is the process called when property transfers to heirs without a will?

The process by which property transfers to heirs without a will is known as "descent." This legal term specifically pertains to the distribution of a deceased person's estate when they have not left a will, which means their assets are distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. In South Carolina, as in many other states, these laws dictate how property is allocated among surviving relatives, usually prioritizing spouses and children, then further relatives if those are not present.

This contrasts with other terms in the question. For instance, while "probate" refers to the legal process of validating a will and administering the estate of a decedent who has a will, it does not apply when there is no will. "Title transfer" generally refers to the act of changing ownership of property and can occur in various contexts, not exclusively limited to situations involving inheritance. "Inheritance" is a broader concept that encompasses receiving property, but it does not specify the process followed when a will is absent. Therefore, descent is the precise term that describes the transfer of property to heirs under these circumstances.