What happens to property if an owner dies without a will and no heirs exist?

When an owner dies without a will and has no heirs, the property undergoes a legal process known as escheat. Escheat is a common law doctrine that ensures that property does not remain ownerless. Instead, the state takes possession of the property. This process serves a purpose in ensuring that unclaimed or abandoned property reverts to public ownership for the benefit of society.

In scenarios where an individual passes away intestate (without a will) and there are no identifiable heirs to inherit the property, it ultimately becomes the responsibility of the state to handle. The state's claim to the property can include any real estate and personal belongings of the deceased individual, which will then be utilized for public purposes or may be managed by the state until it can be potentially claimed by future descendants or heirs should they come forward.

Understanding this principle is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of having a will and the legal implications of not having one in place, particularly in relation to estate planning.