Intestacy Law Solicitors

Intestacy Rules Explained

Under the intestacy rules, if you are the surviving spouse or civil partner, you primarily have priority, but entitlement can be uncertain and dependant on other factors. This could include whether your loved one left surviving children, parents, brothers or sisters. The rules detail a hierarchy of who should inherit in the first instance, and if that person should not survive the next relative down will inherit.

We can help you to navigate through the appropriate rules and discover who is entitled in the first instance, and exactly what they are entitled to. Potentially, if you find that you are entitled, you could be responsible for distributing a large amount of money. We can alleviate you of this important responsibility attached to the role of Administrator to the estate.

We can manage essential tasks such as obtaining a Grant from the court to enable monies to be collected and ensuring any liabilities to the estate are paid. As next of kin to the deceased, you may wish not to be burdened with such matters. Poole Alcock can relieve you of these responsibilities and ensure matters are dealt with according to the rules.

This situation can, however, be easily avoided by making a Will. If you are considering making a Will, you have the opportunity to dictate to a certain extent whom you would like, or wish not, to benefit from your estate. The Executors of such Will are bound to give effect to it in so far as possible. Equally, if you die without a Will, these wishes become irrelevant and unenforceable. Find out more about our Wills and Probate services here.