In legal terminology, what does 'intestate' refer to?

The term 'intestate' is used in legal contexts to describe a situation where an individual passes away without having a valid will in place. This is significant in estate law because when someone dies intestate, their estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which vary by jurisdiction. This typically involves distributing assets according to a statutory formula, often prioritizing close relatives such as spouses and children. Understanding the concept of intestacy is crucial for anyone working in law because it influences how estates are settled when there is no will to direct the distribution of the deceased's assets. In contrast, having a valid will, being declared legally incompetent, or dealing with contested inheritances do not relate directly to the definition of intestate.