Intestate is when someone dies without a legal will. The probate court appoints an administrator to distribute the deceased person's property according to state law.

Many times people die without having an executed will. When this occurs any real estate or other assets that might belong to that person are administered by a probate court. An admistrator is the appointed by the court. The responsibility of this court appointed person is to compile all the assets of the deceased, and pay all liabilities. If there are rightful heirs the court will decide how the remainder is divided.

also called in intestacy. opposite of testate.

Get more information on Intestate in the Real Estate Forum.