Testate vs. Intestate: What’s the Difference? - Policygenius What does testate mean? Testate is an estate planning term used to describe when someone dies with a valid last will and testament The will document was properly written, executed, and witnessed, and passes muster in probate court so the terms can be followed and carried out
Testate vs. Intestate for Estate Planning - SmartAsset Put simply, dying “testate” means you’ve created a valid will that directs how your assets should be distributed, while dying “intestate” means passing away without such documentation in place
What Is the Difference between Testate and Intestate? Testate estates prevent disputes among family members over the assets Everything is spelled out and is legally binding to ensure the orderly distribution of wealth Intestate estates are filled with close relatives who have competing claims to assets
Understanding Testate vs Intestate: What You Need to Know for Estate . . . Testate refers to a person who dies with a valid will that outlines how their assets should be distributed Intestate describes someone who passes away without a will, meaning their estate will be divided according to state laws, often leading to confusion and disputes among heirs