Intestate: meaning, definitions and examples
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intestate
[ɪnˈtɛsteɪt ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- Without a will, laws determine how someone's belongings are divided among family members.
- Typically, the closest relatives receive the largest share of the assets when someone dies intestate.
- Intestate laws vary widely from one place to another, affecting how estates are handled.
Historical Origins
- The term comes from Latin 'intestate', meaning 'without a will'.
- Intestate succession laws date back to Roman law, establishing rules for asset distribution when someone died without a will.
- In earlier societies, personal belongings were often automatically passed to the next of kin, reflecting communal values.
Cultural Perspectives
- Many cultures emphasize the importance of preparing a will to prevent family disputes after a death.
- In some traditions, oral agreements regarding inheritance are accepted, unlike in Western legal systems that require written documents.
- Cultural beliefs about death can influence attitudes regarding estate planning and intestate situations.
Psychological Factors
- Fear of mortality can lead many to procrastinate in creating a will, ignoring its importance.
- Denial about death may contribute to a lack of estate planning, leaving families in confusion after a loss.
- People may experience anxiety or guilt about discussing wills, reflecting deeper attitudes toward life and death.
Contemporary Relevance
- A significant number of people do not have wills, resulting in more intestate cases each year.
- Public awareness campaigns emphasize the need for estate planning to avoid intestacy issues.
- Technology, like online will-making services, is helping to address the gap in estate planning among younger generations.
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