When property escheats, to whom does the title revert?

When property escheats, the title reverts to the state. This process occurs when a property owner dies without a will (intestate) and without any identifiable heirs or legal beneficiaries. In such cases, the state steps in to claim the property, ensuring that it does not remain ownerless. Escheat laws exist to prevent land from sitting unclaimed and facilitate the use of that property for public purposes.

The concept of escheat is rooted in the belief that property ultimately belongs to the state when no other legal claimants exist. This mechanism helps to maintain order and control over real estate and ensures that properties are utilized or managed in accordance with state laws and regulations.