Property Ownership
In Washington, when a property owner dies intestate (without a will) and has no heirs, the property:
AIs divided equally among neighboring property owners
BEscheats to (passes to) the state of Washington✓ Correct
CIs auctioned by the county and proceeds go to the school district
DRemains in limbo until a court appoints an administrator
Explanation
When a property owner dies without a will (intestate) and without heirs, the property passes to the state through the legal doctrine of escheat under Washington's intestacy statutes.
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Key Terms to Know
Joint Tenancy
Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.
Tenancy in CommonCo-ownership where two or more people hold undivided interests that need not be equal and pass to each owner's heirs — no right of survivorship.
DeedA written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).
EasementA non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.
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