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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.

See Examples For:

“Once disclaimed, the timeshare passes according to the next instruction in the estate plan or intestacy law,” Allenby adds.

From MarketWatch Mar. 16, 2026

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 Jun. 27, 2023

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

From Washington Post May 16, 2019

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

From BBC May 18, 2016

In cases of intestacy real property is divided equally among the children or nearest relatives.

From On The Structure of Greek Tribal Society: An Essay by Seebohm, Hugh E. (Hugh Exton)

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