What term describes the state of having died without a valid will?

The term that describes the state of having died without a valid will is "intestate." When a person dies intestate, it means there is no legally recognized document that outlines how their estate should be distributed upon their death. This lack of a will can lead to the estate being dispersed according to the laws of intestacy that vary by jurisdiction. Typically, these laws prioritize relatives like spouses, children, and parents in determining who receives the deceased's assets.

In contrast, the term "testate" refers to dying with a valid will in place, ensuring that the deceased's wishes regarding the distribution of their assets are honored. "Probate" is the legal process through which a deceased person's will is validated and executed, and "executor" refers to the individual appointed to administer the estate according to the provisions in a will. These terms are related but distinctly different from the concept of dying intestate.