Definition: The laws of each state and the District of Columbia that dictate who inherits the estate of someone who dies without a valid Last Will and Testament. The intestacy laws of the state where the deceased person lived at the time of death will govern the disposition of all of the deceased person's property except for real estate and tangible personal property located outside of that state - the intestacy laws of the state where the out of state property is located will govern the disposition of that property.
Also Known As: Succession Laws
