What is the term for when a deceased person did not leave a will and has no heirs?

What is the term for when a deceased person did not leave a will and has no heirs?

• A. Testate
• B. Intestate
• C. Escheat
• D. Probate

Answer: (C)

The correct term describing the situation where a deceased person did not leave a will and has no heirs is "escheat." Escheat refers to the legal process by which a deceased person's estate reverts to the state or a municipality due to the absence of a will (testate situation) and no legal heirs to inherit the assets. This ensures that property does not remain unclaimed, as it is transferred to government ownership for public use. In contrast, other terms like "testate" simply refer to situations where an individual leaves a valid will. "Intestate" describes the condition of dying without a will; however, this occurs regardless of whether there are heirs or not. "Probate" is the legal process of validating a will and administering an estate but does not specifically pertain to cases where there are no heirs or a will. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for navigating estate law and property rights effectively.

The correct term describing the situation where a deceased person did not leave a will and has no heirs is "escheat." Escheat refers to the legal process by which a deceased person's estate reverts to the state or a municipality due to the absence of a will (testate situation) and no legal heirs to inherit the assets. This ensures that property does not remain unclaimed, as it is transferred to government ownership for public use.

In contrast, other terms like "testate" simply refer to situations where an individual leaves a valid will. "Intestate" describes the condition of dying without a will; however, this occurs regardless of whether there are heirs or not. "Probate" is the legal process of validating a will and administering an estate but does not specifically pertain to cases where there are no heirs or a will. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for navigating estate law and property rights effectively.