Property Law
Escheat
Standard Definition
The reversion of property to the state when an owner dies intestate (without a will) and has no legal heirs or successors.
Detailed Examination Analysis
Escheat is a government right designed to prevent properties from remaining ownerless or abandoned. If a property owner dies without a valid will (intestate) and county records identify no legal heirs or relatives, the title to the real estate reverts to the state government.
Real-World Examination Scenario
"An elderly individual who has no living relatives dies without a will. Their home and land revert to the state government via the right of escheat."
premium exam tool
Master Escheat on Your Practice Exams
Unlock detailed flashcards, simulator questions, and pass-guaranteed study aids tailored to your state's licensing guidelines.