Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions designed to enhance your knowledge of paralegal standards and competencies. Prepare effectively and increase your chances of passing!

Practice this question and more.

Which term refers to a person receiving property when an estate has no valid will?

Intestate successor
Beneficiary
Executor
Guest

The correct answer is: Intestate successor

The term that refers to a person receiving property when an estate has no valid will is "intestate successor." This terminology is specifically used in the context of intestate succession, which occurs when an individual passes away without a legally valid will. In these cases, state law determines how the deceased's assets are distributed, often prioritizing relatives such as spouses, children, and siblings based on established laws of descent. Other terms listed do not apply in this context: a beneficiary is typically someone named in a will who receives assets from an estate, while an executor is a person appointed to administer the estate according to the will. The term "guest" generally refers to someone visiting another's home and has no relevance to the distribution of an estate. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific roles and terms involved in estate management and succession.