Some jurisdictions have a laughing heir statute, which cuts off the right of inheritance when the remaining relatives become too remote.
In such jurisdictions, if no relative falls within the limitation set by the statute, then the property escheats to the state.
Under the code, heirs that are farther removed from the deceased are left with no claim to the estate at all.
By contrast, some US states (such as Virginia) have extended the principle to cover the family of a predeceased spouse.
Until 2013, Texas had no laughing heir statute, instead allowing estates to pass to the nearest lineal ancestors or descendants "without end".