Intestate Means Dying Without a Will
People involved for the first time with end-of-life financial management often express confusion at the strange-sounding terms involved. For example. What does it mean to be intestate? It might read like a typographical error, maybe “interstate” misspelled, or sound like some other term, maybe “test date.”
Like many legal terms, testate derives from Latin. The Latin verb testari means “to make a will, be witness to, declare,” and its perfect passive participle testatus conveys “public, manifest, published,” specifically in the context of testamentary declaration.
Then what is the difference between testate and intestate? Testate simply means that someone died leaving a last will and testament. Intestate means that someone died without a will.
Implications of Testate vs. Intestate
When someone dies testate, their assets will be distributed according to the instructions laid out in their will. This can provide clarity and peace of mind for family members, knowing that the deceased’s wishes are being carried out. On the other hand, when someone dies intestate, state laws will dictate how their assets are distributed, which may not align with what the deceased would have wanted.
Why You Need to Plan Your Estate
Regardless of whether you have a large estate or modest assets, it is important to have a plan in place for how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. Creating a will can help ensure that your wishes are followed and can prevent any potential disputes among family members. Consulting with an experienced estate planning attorney can help you navigate the process and make informed decisions.
Free Consultation Available
If you have questions about testate vs. intestate succession or need assistance with estate planning, please contact an Oklahoma probate attorney at Oklahomawillandtrust.com for a free consultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late to plan for the future of your assets and loved ones. Call (918) 876-4500 today.