Which term describes a person who dies without a will?

The term that describes a person who dies without a will is "intestate." When an individual passes away intestate, it means that there is no legally valid will guiding the distribution of their assets. In such cases, state laws dictate how the deceased's estate will be distributed among heirs, which can include spouses, children, or other relatives, depending on the applicable laws of the jurisdiction.

In contrast, the term "testate" refers to an individual who dies leaving a valid will, which directs how their assets should be managed and distributed after their death. An "executor" is a person or institution appointed to carry out the terms specified in a valid will, while a "beneficiary" is an individual or entity that receives benefits or assets under a will or through a trust. Understanding these terms is essential for navigating the legal processes related to estate management and inheritance, particularly in the context of title insurance and property transfer after someone’s death.