What does the term "intestate" mean?

The term "intestate" specifically refers to the scenario where an individual passes away without having a valid will in place. This means that the deceased's wishes regarding the distribution of their estate are not documented, leading to the estate being administered according to the intestacy laws of the state. These laws dictate how assets will be distributed among surviving relatives, typically prioritizing close family members.

In contrast, the other options describe different scenarios concerning wills and estate administration. For example, having a legal executor appointed relates to a valid will, while contesting a will indicates disputes that arise regarding an existing will rather than the absence of one. The transfer of all assets to the state generally occurs under specific circumstances, such as when there are no heirs, but this is not the defining feature of being intestate. Thus, the essence of the term "intestate" lies in the absence of a valid will, making the chosen answer the most accurate representation of the term.