intestacy

noun

in·​tes·​ta·​cy in-ˈte-stə-sē 

: the quality or state of being or dying intestate

Examples of intestacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In practice, the remaining payments would most likely be handled in accordance to the probate and intestacy laws of a claimant’s state. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2025

According to the Texas State Law Library, when someone dies without a will, their estate is divided under state intestacy laws outlined in the Texas Estates Code. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Dec. 2025

James did not leave a will, and so his money was divided between Fowell and his 28-year-old son, William Dinsdale, under intestacy rules. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Your assets will be distributed according to your state’s intestacy laws. — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

intestacy

noun

in·​tes·​ta·​cy in-ˈtes-tə-sē 

plural intestacies

1

: the state of dying intestate : an intestate state or condition

the invalidation of the will resulted in her intestacy

2

: intestate succession at succession

wills should be construed to avoid intestacy whenever possible

—Smith v. Estate of Peters, 741 P.2d 1172 (1987)

the remaining property passed by intestacy to the heirs