Which term describes the state's authority to claim the estate of a deceased person who left no will, heirs, or creditors?

The correct term that describes the state's authority to claim the estate of a deceased person who left no will, heirs, or creditors is escheat. This legal principle ensures that property does not become ownerless, and instead, it reverts to the state. Escheat occurs when an individual dies intestate (without a will) and there are no identified heirs or beneficiaries who can legally inherit the property.

In such cases, the state takes control of the decedent’s assets, which is a way of maintaining the continuity of ownership and ensuring that property is utilized rather than left abandoned. Escheat laws help the government manage unclaimed property and are part of the broader estate management system that includes probate, which is the process of validation of wills and managing the distribution of an estate when one exists.

Understanding escheat is crucial for real estate professionals, as it can affect property ownership and transfer, particularly in cases where a property may otherwise go unclaimed due to the lack of heirs.