Definition

Adjective: 1. Dying without a valid will: Describes a person who has died without having made a legally recognized and effective will. 2. Not disposed of by a will: Describes property or an estate that is not distributed according to the instructions of a will because the deceased person died without one.

Usage

The word "intestate" is primarily used in legal contexts to describe the status of a deceased person or their estate. It is the opposite of "testate" (having died with a valid will).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Because he died intestate, his estate will be divided according to state law.
  • The court appointed an administrator to handle the intestate estate.
  • She was declared intestate, so her children will inherit her property.

Advanced Usage

• To die intestate: This is the most common phrase using the word.
  • If you die intestate, you have no control over who receives your assets.

Variants and Related Words

• Intestacy (noun): The state or condition of having died without a valid will; the legal rules governing the distribution of an intestate estate.
  • The laws of intestacy vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Synonyms

• Without a will: (phrase) The most direct and simple synonym in non-legal language.

Antonyms

• Testate (adjective): Having made and left a valid will at death.

Adjective

1. having made no legally valid will before death or not disposed of by a legal will
   • he died intestate
   • intestate property