Dying Without a Will

What to do if there is no will?

If someone dies where there is no will in place, this is known as dying intestate. The process of administering the estate can be complex and at Browell Smith & Co Solicitors our expert team can help you with this.

Usually, a member of the immediate family (there may be more than one person who has an equal right to do this) will need to make an application for a Grant of Letters of Administration which is an official document, issued by a part of the court known as the Probate Registry, allowing administrators to administer the estate.

This gives the administrator the legal right to deal with the affairs of the person who has died and is determined by a set order of priority on which Browell Smith & Co Solicitors can provide you with the advice and support.

Administrators are responsible for making sure that the estate is administered correctly. If there is no valid Will, the administrator must follow the rules of intestacy. At Browell Smith & Co we can provide a fully bespoke service fitting your requirements from extracting the Grant of Letters of Administration to a full estate administration service where we can take on the entire administration depending upon your requirements.

Being an administrator is a heavy burden. It can be time-consuming and legally complex. For example, you have a responsibility to report to the Inland Revenue and the Probate Registry. You may also have to resolve disputes between family members.

Browell Smith & Co can help you with the task of obtaining letters of administration, dealing with the assets of the estate, and ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are carried out. Often, we can help you finalise matters more quickly than you can on your own.

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