intestacy

noun | \ in-ˈtes-tə-sē \ | in·tes·ta·cy

1. : the state of dying intestate : an intestate state or condition the invalidation of the will resulted in her intestacy

2. : intestate succession at succession wills should be construed to avoid intestacy whenever possible —Smith v. Estate of Peters, 741 P.2d 1172 (1987) the remaining property passed by intestacy to the heirs