intestacy

noun

in·​tes·​ta·​cy in-ˈte-stə-sē 

: the quality or state of being or dying intestate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The case involves legal interpretations related to wills and a legal concept called intestacy. —Jim Saunders, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2022

The district judge, magistrate judge and administrative law judge concluded that, under Florida law, a child conceived after the father’s death, could inherit property only through a will and not intestacy, according to the appeals court. —Jim Saunders, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2022

The failures of intestacy laws reveal the limits in how our legal system characterizes the family unit. —Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 17 May 2022

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