intestacy

[in-tes-tuh-see]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of intestacy¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

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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.

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Who inherits the assets, including any property, if an heir dies before the parent depends upon intestacy statutes, which vary by state.

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Last month it emerged that the musician Prince died without a will - a situation known as intestacy.

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In legal terms, if you die “intestate,” your state’s intestacy laws dictate how your assets will be distributed.

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