What does it mean to die intestate?

Dying intestate means that an individual has passed away without a valid will in place. This situation can lead to the distribution of the deceased's assets according to state laws rather than according to the deceased's wishes. In such cases, the probate court follows a specific process to distribute the estate, typically favoring relatives in a predetermined order based on state intestacy laws. This helps ensure that the rights of heirs are respected, even when the deceased did not leave formal directions regarding their wishes for asset distribution.

The other options describe scenarios where a will exists but are not valid. For instance, dying with a last will and testament implies that a will has been created, while dying with an outdated will indicates that the existing will no longer reflects the decedent's current intentions. Similarly, having multiple conflicting wills creates confusion and legal challenges but does not fit the definition of dying intestate. These distinctions highlight the importance of having a valid and up-to-date will to avoid the complications associated with intestacy.