What is the legal term for dying without a will?

The legal term for dying without a will is "intestate." When an individual passes away without having made a will, their estate is said to be intestate, which triggers a specific legal process for distributing their assets. In this situation, state laws dictate how the deceased person's property will be divided among heirs, typically prioritizing spouses, children, and other close relatives. This framework is crucial, as it ensures that the decedent's assets are handled in accordance with legal standards, even in the absence of personal directives.

In contrast, the term "testate" refers to a situation where an individual has made a valid will, outlining their wishes for the distribution of their estate after their death. "Fiduciary" relates to a person or entity that has the legal responsibility to manage someone else's assets and affairs, which does not specifically pertain to states of dying with or without a will. Lastly, an "executor" is a person appointed in a will to carry out the instructions laid out by the deceased, further emphasizing the distinction between testate and intestate scenarios. Therefore, "intestate" is indeed the correct term for dying without a will, as it directly describes the condition of having no testamentary document in place.