Definition of "intestacy" [in•tes•ta•cy]

• The state of being intestate, or of dying without having made a valid will. (noun)

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• "If a person dies without a will in place, state "intestacy" statutes will determine who gets the property."
• "The Bahá’í laws of inheritance apply only in case of intestacy, that is, when the individual dies without leaving a will."
• "Cf. "stepped-up" basis, where the recipient's income tax basis in property devised by will or distributed in intestacy will be its value as of the date of the passing of the donor."