What does dying “testate” or “intestate” mean?
When a person dies leaving a Will he is said to have died “testate.” On the other hand, if a person dies without a Will, he is said to have died “intestate.” If a person dies intestate, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in effect at the time of death determine the heirs of the decedent’s property. The court will choose an individual (Administrator) to administer the estate. Therefore it is important to have a Will drafted by a qualified estate attorney.