What legal process is initiated after someone dies intestate?

When someone dies intestate, which means they have passed away without a valid will, the legal process that is initiated is called probate. This process is essential for administering the deceased person's estate, as it allows the court to oversee the distribution of assets according to the state laws that govern intestacy. These laws provide a framework to determine how the deceased's property will be distributed among heirs, often prioritizing relatives such as spouses, children, and parents.

Probate involves validating the deceased's assets, paying debts and taxes, and ultimately transferring the remaining property to the rightful heirs. It serves to protect the interests of both the deceased's estate and the beneficiaries, ensuring that the process is conducted fairly and legally.

While intestacy refers to the condition of dying without a will, it does not initiate any processes on its own. Similarly, terms like "Legal Review" and "Estate Transfer" do not precisely capture the necessary legal proceedings initiated in such circumstances. Probate specifically addresses the need to legally resolve the estate in the absence of a will.