To die without leaving a valid will.

To die without leaving a valid will.

• A. Abatement
• B. Simple
• C. Fiduciary
• D. Intestate

Answer: (D)

Dying without a valid will is described as intestate. When someone dies intestate, there’s no document to express how assets should be distributed, so the law assigns heirs and determines how property passes according to statutory rules. Abatement refers to reducing bequests when the estate can’t cover all gifts, which is about distribution when assets are short, not about the absence of a will. A fiduciary is a person in a trust or similar relationship who manages assets for others, not the condition of dying with or without a will. Simple isn’t the term used to describe this situation. Intestate best captures the idea of dying without a valid will.

Dying without a valid will is described as intestate. When someone dies intestate, there’s no document to express how assets should be distributed, so the law assigns heirs and determines how property passes according to statutory rules. Abatement refers to reducing bequests when the estate can’t cover all gifts, which is about distribution when assets are short, not about the absence of a will. A fiduciary is a person in a trust or similar relationship who manages assets for others, not the condition of dying with or without a will. Simple isn’t the term used to describe this situation. Intestate best captures the idea of dying without a valid will.