{"id":4678,"date":"2018-11-21T15:45:40","date_gmt":"2018-11-21T15:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplylaw.waydevelopers.com\/england-wales\/wiki\/intestacy\/"},"modified":"2024-04-15T11:14:40","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T11:14:40","slug":"intestacy","status":"publish","type":"guides","link":"https:\/\/simply.law\/england-wales\/guides\/probate-solicitors\/intestacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Intestacy and probate &#8211; when problems arise following death"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If a person dies without a will, the law regards them as having died &#8216;intestate&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h2><span>Intestacy in England and Wales<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>In this situation, there will be no appointed executor to administer and distribute the estate, so it is left to the deceased&#8217;s next of kin (or other party) to apply to the Probate Registry in order to obtain a document known as Grant of Letters of Administration.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><a href=\"guides\/wills-and-probate-disputes\/help-negotiating-the-race-for-probate\">Who can apply for probate?<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><a href=\"guides\/probate-solicitors\/inheritance-tax-issues-on-death\">Inheritance tax rules<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The rules of inheritance tax apply even when someone dies without a will. It is only once the inheritance tax has been paid that a suitable administrator can be appointed, and the assets and liabilities of the estate can be calculated and distributed to the correct beneficiaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The rules regarding distribution of estates changed in 2014, so it is vital that anyone affected by a close friend or relative dying intestate seek legal advice from a suitable probate solicitor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>{loadmodule mod_custom,Probate Internal Get A Quote Box}<\/p>\n<h2><span>The rules of intestacy <\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Under the rules of intestacy, where the deceased has a surviving spouse or civil partner and no children, the entire estate is passed to the spouse\/civil partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Where the deceased has a surviving spouse\/civil partner <strong>and<\/strong> surviving children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, the spouse\/civil partner will receive the personal belongings and the first \u00a3250,000 of any estate, with the value of any assets above this threshold shared equally between the surviving adult and the deceased&#8217;s children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Where there is no surviving spouse\/civil partner, but the deceased has surviving children, then the entire estate passes to the children to be shared equally among them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The term &#8216;children&#8217; includes illegitimate and adopted children, but not stepchildren<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"svg-container svg-probate-Intestacy\"><svg class=\"svg-content\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMinYMin meet\" version=\"1.1\" id=\"Layer_1\" xmlns_x=\"&amp;ns_extend;\" xmlns_i=\"&amp;ns_ai;\" xmlns_graph=\"&amp;ns_graphs;\"  xmlns_xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"555px\" height=\"2511.498px\" viewbox=\"0 0 555 2511.498\" style=\"enable-background: new 0 0 555 2511.498;\" xml_space=\"preserve\"> <g id=\"Layer_1\"> <rect y=\"2\" class=\"st6\" width=\"555\" height=\"2506.139\"><\/rect> <rect class=\"st2\" width=\"555\" height=\"9.171\"><\/rect> <rect y=\"2502.327\" class=\"st2\" width=\"555\" height=\"9.171\"><\/rect> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M516.247,2186.746c0,4.457-3.582,8.068-8,8.068h-156c-4.418,0-8-3.611-8-8.068V2009.59\t\t\tc0-4.455,3.582-8.068,8-8.068h156c4.418,0,8,3.613,8,8.068V2186.746z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M508.247,2196.814h-156c-5.514,0-10-4.516-10-10.068V2009.59c0-5.551,4.486-10.068,10-10.068h156\t\t\tc5.514,0,10,4.518,10,10.068v177.156C518.247,2192.299,513.761,2196.814,508.247,2196.814z M352.247,2003.521\t\t\tc-3.309,0-6,2.723-6,6.068v177.156c0,3.346,2.691,6.068,6,6.068h156c3.309,0,6-2.723,6-6.068V2009.59c0-3.346-2.691-6.068-6-6.068\t\t\tH352.247z\"><\/path> <\/g> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M297.987,645.559c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H132.99c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V645.559z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M290.984,655.559H132.99c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C299.987,651.073,295.948,655.559,290.984,655.559z M132.99,559.621\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H132.99z\"><\/path> <\/g> <path class=\"st2\" d=\"M509.758,933.058H133.874c-4.418,0-8,3.582-8,8v29.789c0,4.418,3.582,8,8,8h77.113v68.655H203l4.994,7.398\t\tl4.993,7.398l4.993-7.398l4.994-7.398h-7.987v-68.655h294.771c4.418,0,8-3.582,8-8v-29.789\t\tC517.758,936.64,514.176,933.058,509.758,933.058z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st7\" d=\"M509.758,253.718H133.874c-4.418,0-8,3.582-8,8v29.789c0,4.418,3.582,8,8,8h186.852v34.645h-7.774l4.994,7.398\t\tl4.993,7.398l4.993-7.398l4.994-7.398h-8.2v-34.645h185.032c4.418,0,8-3.582,8-8v-29.789\t\tC517.758,257.3,514.176,253.718,509.758,253.718z\"><\/path> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M515.781,852.329c0,4.357-3.582,7.889-8,7.889h-180.5c-4.418,0-8-3.532-8-7.889V565.962\t\t\tc0-4.357,3.582-7.889,8-7.889h180.5c4.418,0,8,3.532,8,7.889V852.329z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M507.781,862.218h-180.5c-5.514,0-10-4.436-10-9.889V565.962c0-5.453,4.486-9.889,10-9.889h180.5\t\t\tc5.514,0,10,4.436,10,9.889v286.367C517.781,857.782,513.295,862.218,507.781,862.218z M327.281,560.073c-3.309,0-6,2.642-6,5.889\t\t\tv286.367c0,3.247,2.691,5.889,6,5.889h180.5c3.309,0,6-2.642,6-5.889V565.962c0-3.247-2.691-5.889-6-5.889H327.281z\"><\/path> <\/g> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M517.629,195.318c0,4.418-3.582,8-8,8H45.371c-4.419,0-8-3.582-8-8V155.2c0-4.418,3.581-8,8-8h464.258\t\t\tc4.418,0,8,3.582,8,8V195.318z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M509.629,205.318H45.371c-5.514,0-10-4.486-10-10V155.2c0-5.514,4.486-10,10-10h464.258\t\t\tc5.514,0,10,4.486,10,10v40.118C519.629,200.832,515.143,205.318,509.629,205.318z M45.371,149.2c-3.309,0-6,2.691-6,6v40.118\t\t\tc0,3.309,2.691,6,6,6h464.258c3.309,0,6-2.691,6-6V155.2c0-3.309-2.691-6-6-6H45.371z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"417.659\" cy=\"533.517\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"37.5\" y=\"67.023\" class=\"st10\" width=\"480\" height=\"41.738\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 50.3071 92.7275)\" class=\"st2 st16 st15\">Rules of Intestacy Flow chart<\/text> <g> <rect x=\"87.603\" y=\"169.215\" class=\"st10\" width=\"379.793\" height=\"22.003\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 120.6426 180.1421)\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Is the deceased married or in a civil partnership?<\/text> <\/g> <rect x=\"125.978\" y=\"268.143\" class=\"st10\" width=\"391.723\" height=\"18.536\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 304.8887 283.8506)\" class=\"st9 st16 st14\">Yes<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M421.315,408.928c0,3.709-3.582,6.716-8,6.716H232.562c-4.418,0-8-3.007-8-6.716v-42.661\t\t\tc0-3.709,3.582-6.716,8-6.716h180.754c4.418,0,8,3.007,8,6.716V408.928z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M413.315,417.644H232.562c-5.514,0-10-3.91-10-8.716v-42.661c0-4.806,4.486-8.716,10-8.716h180.754\t\t\tc5.514,0,10,3.91,10,8.716v42.661C423.315,413.734,418.829,417.644,413.315,417.644z M232.562,361.55c-3.309,0-6,2.116-6,4.716\t\t\tv42.661c0,2.601,2.691,4.716,6,4.716h180.754c3.309,0,6-2.116,6-4.716v-42.661c0-2.601-2.691-4.716-6-4.716H232.562z\"><\/path> <\/g> <g> <rect x=\"224.562\" y=\"381.547\" class=\"st10\" width=\"196.754\" height=\"23.671\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 248.9111 392.4746)\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Do they have children?<\/text> <\/g> <g> <rect x=\"338\" y=\"582.426\" class=\"st10\" width=\"160\" height=\"273.03\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 338 593.0005)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">Their spouse or civil <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"18\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">partner will receive:<\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"49.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">\u2022 Personal possessions;<\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"67.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">\u2022 The \ufb01rst \u00a3250,000 <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"85.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\"> together with interest <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"103.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\"> on that amount from <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"121.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\"> the date of death; and<\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"139.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">\u2022 One half of the <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"157.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\"> remainder of the estate<\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"188.4\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">Your children will <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"206.4\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">receive:<\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"237.6\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\">\u2022 The other half of the <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"255.6\" class=\"st0 st3 st12\"> remainder of the state<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st7\" cx=\"417.658\" cy=\"533.517\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"391.129\" y=\"525.607\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 401.5332 539.8867)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">Yes<\/text> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"212.703\" cy=\"534.22\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"131.216\" y=\"583.129\" class=\"st10\" width=\"160.704\" height=\"66.447\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 147.3062 594.0562)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Their spouse or civil <\/tspan><tspan x=\"1.774\" y=\"18.6\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">partner will receive <\/tspan><tspan x=\"9.95\" y=\"37.2\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">the whole estate<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st2\" cx=\"212.702\" cy=\"534.22\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"186.173\" y=\"526.31\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 199.6973 540.5898)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">No<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M515.531,1373.899c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H350.534c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V1373.899z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M508.528,1383.899H350.534c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C517.531,1379.413,513.492,1383.899,508.528,1383.899z M350.534,1287.96\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H350.534z\"><\/path> <\/g> <rect x=\"126.604\" y=\"947.482\" class=\"st10\" width=\"390.339\" height=\"18.536\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 308.2539 963.1904)\" class=\"st9 st16 st14\">No<\/text> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"430.247\" cy=\"1262.56\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"353.531\" y=\"1311.469\" class=\"st10\" width=\"153.753\" height=\"66.447\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 369.0908 1322.396)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">The whole estate is <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-14.764\" y=\"20\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">shared equally between <\/tspan><tspan x=\"19.646\" y=\"40\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">their parents<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st7\" cx=\"430.246\" cy=\"1262.56\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"403.717\" y=\"1254.65\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 414.1211 1268.9297)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">Yes<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M298.987,1373.899c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H133.99c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V1373.899z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M291.984,1383.899H133.99c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C300.987,1379.413,296.948,1383.899,291.984,1383.899z M133.99,1287.96\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H133.99z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"213.703\" cy=\"1262.56\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"142.37\" y=\"1320.469\" class=\"st10\" width=\"142.667\" height=\"51.25\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 157.9429 1331.396)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Do they have any <\/tspan><tspan x=\"8.331\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">living parents?<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st2\" cx=\"213.702\" cy=\"1262.56\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"187.173\" y=\"1254.65\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 200.6973 1268.9297)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">No<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M298.987,1587.443c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H133.99c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.939\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V1587.443z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M291.984,1597.443H133.99c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.939c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.939C300.987,1592.957,296.948,1597.443,291.984,1597.443z M133.99,1501.504\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.939c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.939\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H133.99z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"213.703\" cy=\"1476.104\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"144.222\" y=\"1534.014\" class=\"st10\" width=\"138.963\" height=\"51.248\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 157.9424 1544.9404)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Do they have any <\/tspan><tspan x=\"8.72\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">living siblings?<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st2\" cx=\"213.702\" cy=\"1476.104\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"187.173\" y=\"1468.194\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 200.6973 1482.4736)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">No<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M515.531,1875.184c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H350.534c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.939\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V1875.184z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M508.528,1885.184H350.534c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.939c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.939C517.531,1880.697,513.492,1885.184,508.528,1885.184z M350.534,1789.244\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.939c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.939\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H350.534z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"430.247\" cy=\"1763.844\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"348.46\" y=\"1812.754\" class=\"st10\" width=\"162.144\" height=\"66.445\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 368.2148 1823.6807)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">The whole estate is <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-14.764\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">shared equally between <\/tspan><tspan x=\"0.721\" y=\"38\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">their grandparents<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st7\" cx=\"430.246\" cy=\"1763.844\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"403.717\" y=\"1755.934\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 414.1211 1770.2139)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">Yes<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M298.987,1876.518c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H133.99c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V1876.518z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M291.984,1886.518H133.99c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C300.987,1882.031,296.948,1886.518,291.984,1886.518z M133.99,1790.58\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H133.99z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"213.703\" cy=\"1765.18\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"141.089\" y=\"1822.088\" class=\"st10\" width=\"145.797\" height=\"51.25\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 158.2266 1833.0156)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Do they have any <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-10.826\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">living grandparents?<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st2\" cx=\"213.702\" cy=\"1765.18\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"187.173\" y=\"1757.27\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 200.6973 1771.5488)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">No<\/text> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"430.247\" cy=\"1976.785\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"352.672\" y=\"2028.338\" class=\"st10\" width=\"153.719\" height=\"156.908\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 367.377 2039.2646)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">The whole estate is <\/tspan><tspan x=\"15.197\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">shared equally <\/tspan><tspan x=\"4.317\" y=\"38\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">between their full <\/tspan><tspan x=\"6.332\" y=\"57\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">aunts and uncles. <\/tspan><tspan x=\"3.853\" y=\"76\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">If there are no full <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-8.804\" y=\"95\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">aunts and uncles then <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-8.532\" y=\"114\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">equally between their <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-6.083\" y=\"133\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">half aunts and uncles <\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st7\" cx=\"430.246\" cy=\"1976.785\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"403.717\" y=\"1968.875\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 414.1211 1983.1543)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">Yes<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M514.284,1668.039c0,4.418-3.582,8-8,8H351c-4.418,0-8-3.582-8-8v-161.572c0-4.418,3.582-8,8-8h155.284\t\t\tc4.418,0,8,3.582,8,8V1668.039z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M506.284,1678.039H351c-5.514,0-10-4.486-10-10v-161.572c0-5.514,4.486-10,10-10h155.284\t\t\tc5.514,0,10,4.486,10,10v161.572C516.284,1673.553,511.798,1678.039,506.284,1678.039z M351,1500.467c-3.309,0-6,2.691-6,6\t\t\tv161.572c0,3.309,2.691,6,6,6h155.284c3.309,0,6-2.691,6-6v-161.572c0-3.309-2.691-6-6-6H351z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"429\" cy=\"1475.066\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"355.75\" y=\"1526.617\" class=\"st10\" width=\"146.5\" height=\"141.529\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 366.8457 1537.5449)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">The whole estate is <\/tspan><tspan x=\"15.197\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">shared equally <\/tspan><tspan x=\"4.317\" y=\"38\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">between their full <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-1.859\" y=\"57\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">siblings. If there are <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-1.1\" y=\"76\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">no full siblings then <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-8.532\" y=\"95\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">equally between their <\/tspan><tspan x=\"23.685\" y=\"114\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">half siblings<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st7\" cx=\"428.999\" cy=\"1475.066\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"402.47\" y=\"1467.156\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 412.875 1481.4351)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">Yes<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M298.987,2089.459c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H133.99c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.42,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.58,7.003,8V2089.459z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M291.984,2099.459H133.99c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C300.987,2094.973,296.948,2099.459,291.984,2099.459z M133.99,2003.521\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H133.99z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"213.703\" cy=\"1978.119\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"137.089\" y=\"2036.029\" class=\"st10\" width=\"153.797\" height=\"51.25\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 138.9922 2046.957)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Do they have any living <\/tspan><tspan x=\"22.451\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">aunts or uncles?<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st2\" cx=\"213.702\" cy=\"1978.119\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"187.173\" y=\"1970.211\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 200.6973 1984.4902)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">No<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M298.987,2304.494c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H133.99c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V2304.494z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M291.984,2314.494H133.99c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C300.987,2310.008,296.948,2314.494,291.984,2314.494z M133.99,2218.557\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H133.99z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"213.703\" cy=\"2193.156\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"141.945\" y=\"2250.314\" class=\"st10\" width=\"143.584\" height=\"51.25\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 145.686 2261.2891)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st11 st1\">Everything passes to <\/tspan><tspan x=\"34.742\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st11 st1\">the crown<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <g> <rect x=\"117.769\" y=\"2430.123\" class=\"st10\" width=\"319.461\" height=\"31.4\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 175.2505 2439.8301)\" class=\"st2 st5 st4\">Connection you with the right lawyer<\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st2\" cx=\"213.702\" cy=\"2193.156\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"187.173\" y=\"2185.246\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 200.6973 2199.5254)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">No<\/text> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"101.743,945.925 101.743,953.912 59.603,953.912 59.603,278.613 101.743,278.613 101.743,286.6 \t\t109.142,281.606 116.54,276.613 109.142,271.62 101.743,266.626 101.743,274.613 59.603,274.613 59.603,203.318 55.603,203.318 \t\t55.603,957.912 101.743,957.912 101.743,965.898 109.142,960.905 116.54,955.912 109.142,950.918 \t\"><\/polygon> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"419.658,482.238 419.658,454.546 324.726,454.547 324.726,415.767 320.726,415.767 320.726,454.547 \t\t210.703,454.547 210.703,482.119 202.716,482.119 207.71,489.518 212.703,496.916 217.696,489.518 222.69,482.119 214.703,482.119 \t\t214.703,458.547 415.658,458.547 415.658,482.238 407.707,482.238 412.7,489.637 417.693,497.035 422.687,489.637 427.68,482.238 \t\t\t\"><\/polygon> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"330.5,1328.936 323.102,1323.943 323.102,1331.93 298.975,1331.93 298.975,1335.93 323.102,1335.93 \t\t323.102,1343.916 330.5,1338.922 337.898,1333.93 \t\"><\/polygon> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"330.5,1114.936 323.102,1109.943 323.102,1117.93 298.975,1117.93 298.975,1121.93 323.102,1121.93 \t\t323.102,1129.916 330.5,1124.922 337.898,1119.93 \t\"><\/polygon> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"330.5,1831.555 323.102,1826.562 323.102,1834.549 298.975,1834.549 298.975,1838.549 \t\t323.102,1838.549 323.102,1846.535 330.5,1841.541 337.898,1836.549 \t\"><\/polygon> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"330.5,2044.496 323.102,2039.504 323.102,2047.49 298.975,2047.49 298.975,2051.49 323.102,2051.49 \t\t323.102,2059.477 330.5,2054.482 337.898,2049.49 \t\"><\/polygon> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"215.345,1421.401 215.345,1381.899 211.345,1381.899 211.345,1421.401 203.716,1421.401 \t\t208.71,1428.8 213.703,1436.198 218.696,1428.8 223.69,1421.401 \t\"><\/polygon> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M515.531,1159.899c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H350.534c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V1159.899z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M508.528,1169.899H350.534c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C517.531,1165.413,513.492,1169.899,508.528,1169.899z M350.534,1073.96\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H350.534z\"><\/path> <\/g> <circle class=\"st6\" cx=\"430.247\" cy=\"1048.56\" r=\"37.304\"><\/circle> <g> <rect x=\"352.204\" y=\"1097.469\" class=\"st10\" width=\"156.087\" height=\"66.447\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 368.9307 1108.396)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">The whole estate is <\/tspan><tspan x=\"-14.764\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">shared equally between <\/tspan><tspan x=\"18.119\" y=\"38\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">their children<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <circle class=\"st7\" cx=\"430.246\" cy=\"1048.56\" r=\"31.32\"><\/circle> <rect x=\"403.717\" y=\"1040.65\" class=\"st10\" width=\"51.629\" height=\"19.137\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 414.1211 1054.9297)\" class=\"st9 st16 st13\">Yes<\/text> <g> <path class=\"st9\" d=\"M298.987,1159.899c0,4.418-3.136,8-7.003,8H133.99c-3.867,0-7.003-3.582-7.003-8v-79.938\t\t\tc0-4.418,3.136-8,7.003-8h157.994c3.867,0,7.003,3.582,7.003,8V1159.899z\"><\/path> <path class=\"st8\" d=\"M291.984,1169.899H133.99c-4.964,0-9.003-4.486-9.003-10v-79.938c0-5.514,4.039-10,9.003-10h157.994\t\t\tc4.964,0,9.003,4.486,9.003,10v79.938C300.987,1165.413,296.948,1169.899,291.984,1169.899z M133.99,1073.96\t\t\tc-2.759,0-5.003,2.691-5.003,6v79.938c0,3.309,2.244,6,5.003,6h157.994c2.759,0,5.003-2.691,5.003-6v-79.938\t\t\tc0-3.309-2.244-6-5.003-6H133.99z\"><\/path> <\/g> <g> <rect x=\"139.703\" y=\"1103.291\" class=\"st10\" width=\"148\" height=\"51.25\"><\/rect> <text transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 157.9424 1114.2183)\"><tspan x=\"0\" y=\"0\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">Do they have any <\/tspan><tspan x=\"6.759\" y=\"19\" class=\"st0 st3 st1\">living children?<\/tspan><\/text> <\/g> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"215.345,1207.401 215.345,1167.899 211.345,1167.899 211.345,1207.401 203.716,1207.401 \t\t208.71,1214.8 213.703,1222.198 218.696,1214.8 223.69,1207.401 \t\"><\/polygon> <polygon class=\"st8\" points=\"330.5,1542.48 323.102,1537.488 323.102,1545.475 298.975,1545.475 298.975,1549.475 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<\/g> <\/g> <\/g> <svg> <\/svg><\/svg><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"oButton oButton--orange oButton--lowercase\" href=\"https:\/\/simply.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/09\/Simply-Law-rules-of-intestacy-flowchart.pdf\">Download PDF<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span>Jointly owned property<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>There are two different types of joint ownership of a residential property: <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beneficial Joint Tenancies<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>As beneficial tenants in common, a couple do not own a specific share of the property. It is simply jointly owned by both people. When one of the couple dies, the surviving partner would automatically inherit the deceased\u2019s share of the property. Under beneficial tenants in common ownership, it is not possible for a joint owner to leave their share of the house to someone else in a will, or for someone else to try to lay claim to the deceased\u2019s share. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tenancies in Common<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span>As tenants in common, each person owns a specific share of the property (usually an equal share each, unless there is a Deed of Trust stating otherwise). When one of the couple dies, the surviving partner does not automatically inherit the deceased\u2019s share, as each person is free to leave their share of the property to whomever they like in their will.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>Joint bank accounts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Couples often have a joint bank account, when one person dies, the surviving partner automatically inherits the deceased\u2019s share of the monies in the account. The deceased\u2019s share of any monies in joint bank accounts is part of their estate. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>Who cannot inherit?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span>Unmarried partners or those not in a civil partnership<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Relations by marriage<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Close friends<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Carers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>Unfortunately, intestacy law still does not recognise couples who are unmarried or not in a civil partnership. However, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, an unmarried partner can make a claim for financial provision providing they have been cohabitating with the deceased for a minimum of at least two consecutive years prior to the deceased\u2019s death.\u00a0 It is vital that if you are considering such a claim that you seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>Probate solicitors for matters related to intestacy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Coming to terms with the emotional, as well as practical fallout, of the death of a loved one is always difficult, but this already difficult time can be made all the worse when a person has died intestate (without a will).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Simply.Law&#8217;s experienced probate solicitors can give you the independent advice you need to save you from distress and inconvenience, while also helping to protect your interests and those of any dependents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Our Simply.Law member lawyers have years of experience in this often complex field and are perfectly positioned to guide you through the often tricky stages of intestate and probate. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Find a rated and reviewed Simply.Law specialist local to you by browsing through our member profiles, alternatively, try our Match Service, or contact us today. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Simply.Law&#8217;s member probate solicitors can help you negotiate the difficulties of administering an estate when faced with intestacy. Call our National Helpline on 0800 368 6338<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9222,"parent":4306,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[12372],"tags":[10709,8605,9058,9306,10707,8609,10708,8613,10485,8994,8608,10710,8842],"guides-category":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4678","1":"guides","2":"type-guides","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-contesting-a-will","8":"tag-administer","9":"tag-children","10":"tag-civil-partners","11":"tag-civil-partnership","12":"tag-dying-intestate","13":"tag-executor","14":"tag-grant-of-letters-of-administration","15":"tag-intestacy","16":"tag-married-couples","17":"tag-probate-registry","18":"tag-probate-solicitor","19":"tag-provision-for-family-and-dependants-act-1975","20":"tag-spouse"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO 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