Prepare for the Auctioneer Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Practice this question and more.


What does 'intestate' mean?

  1. To have a legal will at the time of death

  2. To die without a will

  3. To die with a trust in place

  4. To transfer estate prior to death

The correct answer is: To die without a will

The term 'intestate' refers specifically to the situation in which a person has died without leaving a legal will. This status has significant implications for how the deceased's assets are distributed, as state laws will dictate the distribution process, often prioritizing relatives by blood over other potential beneficiaries. Because of this automatic legal framework, it highlights the importance of having a will to direct the division of one's estate according to personal wishes. The other options describe scenarios relevant to estate planning but do not align with the definition of intestate. Having a legal will, being deceased with a trust in place, or transferring an estate prior to death each reflects different planning strategies that ensure a person's wishes are followed. But when an individual passes away without expressly documented instructions, they fall into the category of intestate.