What does it mean to die intestate?

Dying intestate refers to the situation in which an individual passes away without having created a legal will. In this scenario, the deceased's assets are distributed in accordance with the laws of intestacy, which vary by jurisdiction. These laws dictate how the estate should be divided among surviving relatives, typically prioritizing close family members such as spouses, children, and parents. This means that the deceased's wishes regarding asset distribution may not be honored, leading to potential conflicts among heirs.

In contrast, having a legal will ensures that an individual's specific wishes regarding their estate are followed after their death. An invalid will suggests that the will may not be considered legally binding, which can also lead to intestacy. The option referring to distributing assets equally does not accurately capture the essence of dying intestate, as intestacy laws may not lead to equal distribution among heirs.