If the decedent left a will, how is the estate classified?

When a decedent leaves a will, the estate is classified as testate. This classification indicates that the deceased expressed their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the handling of their affairs through a legally recognized document. The will provides instructions that guide the probate process, ensuring that the estate is settled according to the decedent's intentions.

In contrast, if an individual passes away without a valid will, the estate is classified as intestate, meaning there are no formal instructions for asset distribution, which may lead to distribution according to state laws. Judicial refers more to a type of court process rather than the classification of an estate itself. Probate is the legal process through which a will is validated, and an estate is administered, but it does not indicate whether the estate is testate or intestate by itself. Hence, the classification of the estate as testate when a will exists is accurate and essential for understanding the distribution process.