What term is used for dying with a valid will?

The term used for dying with a valid will is "testate." When an individual dies testate, it means that they have executed a legal will that outlines how their estate and assets should be distributed after their death. This process ensures that the deceased's wishes regarding the disposition of their property and personal belongings are honored, providing a clear framework for the distribution to the beneficiaries named in the will.

In contrast, dying intestate refers to passing away without a valid will, which often leads to state laws determining how the estate is divided, sometimes against the deceased's wishes. The other options—abandonment and tenants in common—do not pertain to the state of having a valid will. Abandonment typically relates to the relinquishment of rights to property or a person, while tenants in common describes a co-ownership arrangement between two or more individuals regarding property ownership, and does not relate to the dying process or estate planning directly.