Which status applies when a person dies without leaving a will?

Which status applies when a person dies without leaving a will?

• A. Intestate
• B. Testate
• C. Devisee
• D. Dedication

Answer: (A)

Dying without leaving a valid will is called intestate. When someone dies intestate, there is no directive for who should receive their assets, so the estate goes through intestate succession under state law, with an administrator appointed by the court to settle things and distribute property to the decedent’s legally recognized heirs. If a will exists, the person is described as testate, and an executor administers the estate according to the will. A devisee is a person who inherits real property under a will. Dedication, in property terms, refers to giving land for public use or a charitable purpose and isn’t about the decedent’s status.

Dying without leaving a valid will is called intestate. When someone dies intestate, there is no directive for who should receive their assets, so the estate goes through intestate succession under state law, with an administrator appointed by the court to settle things and distribute property to the decedent’s legally recognized heirs.

If a will exists, the person is described as testate, and an executor administers the estate according to the will. A devisee is a person who inherits real property under a will. Dedication, in property terms, refers to giving land for public use or a charitable purpose and isn’t about the decedent’s status.