escheat

[ɪsˈʧiːt]

escheat Definition

  • 1the reversion of property to the state or some agency of the state, in consequence of a want of any individual competent to inherit or claim when succession to it is postponed or rejected
  • 2to revert property to the state or some agency of the state

Using escheat: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "escheat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    If the owner of the property dies without heirs, the property will escheat to the state.

  • Example

    The government can escheat the land if the owner fails to pay taxes.

  • Example

    The abandoned property was escheated to the city.

  • Example

    The court ordered the property to be escheated to the state.

escheat Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with escheat

  • a law that governs the transfer of property to the state when there are no heirs or claimants

    Example

    The escheat law in this state requires that unclaimed property be turned over to the state after a certain period of time.

  • the legal process by which property is transferred to the state when there are no heirs or claimants

    Example

    The escheatment process can be complicated and lengthy, involving many legal steps and requirements.

  • property that is subject to escheat, such as abandoned or unclaimed property

    Example

    The bank is required to report any escheatable property to the state treasurer.

Origins of escheat

from Old French 'escheoir', meaning 'to fall to one's share'

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Summary: escheat in Brief

'Escheat' [ɪsˈʧiːt] refers to the transfer of property to the state or its agency when there are no heirs or claimants. It can happen when the owner dies without heirs, fails to pay taxes, or abandons the property. The term is both a verb and a noun, and it is often used in legal contexts. Phrases like 'escheat law,' 'escheatment process,' and 'escheatable property' describe the legal framework and the types of property involved.