Definition

The process by which property returns to the state or a lord when there are no legal heirs or claimants to inherit it.

Example

After many years without any heirs, the estate was subject to escheat.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term escheat?

Yeah, isn't it about property going back to the state?

Exactly! It happens when no one can claim it, right?

Right, it's interesting how laws handle situations like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To revert property to the state or government when there are no legal heirs or claimants.

Example

The property will escheat to the state if no one claims it after the owner's death.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard about that old property that might escheat to the state?

Yeah, I read something about it! It's a bit complicated, isn't it?

Totally, it’s interesting how unclaimed assets can escheat like that.

Root Explanation

Escheat comes from Old French 'eschete' (meaning to fall to) and is derived from the Latin 'excadere' (meaning to fall out or to fall away). The term originally referred to property that reverted to the state when an owner died without heirs.

Memory Tip

Think of property 'falling away' ('excadere') to the state when there are no heirs — that's why escheat means the reversion of property.

Visually Confused Words