Definition: Dying without having made a valid Last Will and Testament.
In general, the property of someone who dies without a Last Will will pass under the intestacy laws of the state where the deceased person lived at the time of death to the deceased person's heirs at law. However, real estate or tangible personal property owned by the deceased person and located outside of his or her home state will pass under the intestacy laws of the state where the property is located, not the deceased person's home state.
How to Open a Probate EstateAlso Known As: Intestate
