Escheat Law Definition

Escheat law is a doctrine that transfers the ownership of unclaimed property to the state if owners or heirs fail to claim that property.

Escheat Law Extended Definition
Refers to the power a state holds over an unclaimed property if no heir or owner makes a claim. If the property owner dies without clearly indicating an heir or heirs in a valid will, or without relatives legally entitled to the property, the state legislature enacts the statute and takes over. This situation is known as a dying intestate and the property is escheated to the state. This law pertains to property and lands held by individuals, groups, and businesses.

Related Article
What Is Escheatment? | Patriot Software

Last Updated By

Jenna Hutkowski | Apr 14, 2023