What is intestate

Intestate means a person dies without a valid will.

When a person dies intestate, the determination of who gets his property is made by a judge with reference to the state’s descent and distribution laws.

These laws may be exactly what the decedent wanted but they may not be.

Prevent intestate death

A person who has a will does not die intestate, rather, he dies testate. The will, not the state, determines who gets his property.