Question

Charles died intestate and left a $60,000 estate but no heirs. His estate would:

Selections

A. Revert to the state

B. Escheat to the county

C. Be held for five years by the state and then revert to the county

D. Be given to a charitable organization

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Answer: A

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5 Keys Summary

• When an individual dies intestate (without a valid will) and without legal heirs, the disposition of their property is governed by a legal process called escheat.

• Escheat is the legal procedure by which property title vests in the state when an owner dies leaving no will or heirs.

• In this scenario, the estate would legally revert to the State of California, confirming that the property belongs to the state.

• The purpose of escheat is to ensure that all property always maintains an owner, transferring to the government when private succession fails.

• The property reverts specifically to the state government, and not to the county or a charitable organization.

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