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intestacy

American  
[in-tes-tuh-see] / ɪnˈtɛs tə si /

noun

  1. the state or fact of being intestate at death.


Etymology

Origin of intestacy

First recorded in 1760–70; intest(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If, heaven forbid, your daughter predeceases you, without contingent beneficiaries, your accounts could revert to your estate, go through probate and/or be distributed per intestacy law in your state.

From MarketWatch

With no will, your cousin’s probate estate is divided according to Georgia’s intestacy laws.

From MarketWatch

In California, such challenges typically must be filed within months of the probate process starting; intestacy laws are the default inheritance process.

From MarketWatch

Assuming that there was no will, the money would go back to your husband’s estate and be distributed under the state’s intestacy laws.

From MarketWatch

If you don’t have a will — called “dying intestate” — your assets are distributed by a probate court according to your state’s laws of intestacy.

From Seattle Times