Who inherits property when its owner dies intestate and there are no legal heirs available?

When an individual dies intestate, meaning without a will, and there are no legal heirs available, the property is typically passed on to the state or county. This concept is known as escheat. It ensures that the property does not remain ownerless and is instead transferred to the government, which may then utilize it for public purposes or manage it according to established laws.

The idea behind escheat is grounded in the principle that state has an interest in property within its borders, especially when no heirs can be identified to inherit it. The local laws dictate the specifics of how this process works, including how properties are appraised and how the state might manage or allocate those assets.

Other choices, such as immediate family members, local government, or charitable organizations, do not apply in this situation because there are no legal heirs to claim inheritance and the transfer of assets defaults to the state. This framework helps streamline the resolution of decedent estates and ensures properties are effectively managed even when no clear heirs exist.