Every situation is different, so there is no one rule that applies to all situations. My understanding is there is federal law that states IRAs with no named beneficiaries, no surviving spouse, but surviving children then the children are the beneficiaries and may control their IRA distribution instead of the Estate. Also,, financial institution has there own rules that apply, so you'll need to check with them to verify the IRA owner contract signed by the decedent. Here's a helpful No Beneficiary Named by IRA Owner
