Intestate: meaning, definitions and examples

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intestate

 

[ ɪnˈtɛsteɪt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal status

Intestate refers to a situation where an individual dies without having made a valid will. In such cases, the distribution of the deceased's assets is handled according to the statutes of intestacy governing the jurisdiction. These laws typically determine how the deceased’s property is divided among relatives, such as spouses, children, and other family members. Intestate succession can be complex, varying greatly from one state or country to another, often leading to disputes among potential heirs.

Synonyms

dying without a will, intestacy

Examples of usage

  • He died intestate, leaving his family to navigate the court's decisions.
  • The estate was settled according to intestate laws, which prioritized the children.
  • She realized that without a will, her estate would be distributed intestate.

Translations

Translations of the word "intestate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intestado

🇮🇳 अविभाजित

🇩🇪 intestato

🇮🇩 tanpa wasiat

🇺🇦 інтестатний

🇵🇱 intestacyjny

🇯🇵 遺言なしの

🇫🇷 intestat

🇪🇸 intestado

🇹🇷 vasiyetname yok

🇰🇷 유언이 없는

🇸🇦 بدون وصية

🇨🇿 intestátní

🇸🇰 intestát

🇨🇳 无遗嘱的

🇸🇮 intestat

🇮🇸 ósnætt

🇰🇿 тестаментсіз

🇬🇪 დაკეტილი

🇦🇿 testament olmadan

🇲🇽 intestado

Etymology

The term 'intestate' originates from the Latin word 'intestat', which means 'not having made a will'. Its usage in English law can be traced back to the medieval period when regulations governing the distribution of estates were beginning to take shape. In early English common law, the absence of a will led to estates being divided according to the fixed rules of intestacy, deeply influenced by Roman law and its principles surrounding inheritance. The concept has evolved, but the core idea remains: without a will, property distribution defaults to statutory laws. The formal recognition of intestacy laws was essential in protecting the properties and rights of those who did not express their intentions regarding their estate, ensuring a systematic and legal method of handling such cases.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,811, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.