[in-tes-teyt, -tit] 
| 1. | (of a person) not having made a will: to die intestate. |
| 2. | (of things) not disposed of by will: Her property remains intestate. |
| 3. | a person who dies intestate. |
| in·tes·tate (ĭn-těs'tāt', -tĭt) adj.
[Middle English, from Old French intestat, from Latin intestātus : in-, not; see in-1 + testātus, testate, from past participle of testārī, to make a will; see testament.] in·tes'ta·cy (-tə-sē) n. |
Intestate
The act of dying without a legal will. Determining the distribution of the deceased's assets then becomes the responsibility of a probate court.
Investopedia Commentary
To have died "in intestacy" means a court-appointed executor will compile any assets of the deceased, pay any liabilities and distribute the assets to those parties deemed as beneficiaries.
To ensure that your friends and loved ones receive the contents of your estate upon your passing on, it is extremely important to make a will, or have a will made on your behalf by a lawyer qualified to do so.
Related Links
Three Documents You Shouldn't Do Without
Skipping-Out on Probate Costs
Getting Started On Your Estate Plan
See also: Benficiary, Estate, Estate Planning, Exordium Clause, Liability, Non-Contestability Clause, Probate, Trustee, Will
intestate
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