Probate Services
Intestacy (No Will)
When someone dies without leaving a valid will, they are said to have died intestate. The intestacy rules — set out in law — determine who is entitled to administer and inherit from the estate.
The rules do not always reflect what the deceased would have wished, and they can produce unexpected results — particularly for unmarried partners and blended families. We guide families through this process clearly and compassionately.
Who Inherits Under the Intestacy Rules?
The intestacy rules set out a strict order of priority. Only those within the order are entitled to inherit. The rules apply to estates in England and Wales.
Spouse or civil partner
Receives the first £322,000 plus half of the remainder. Children receive the other half.
Children (and their descendants)
If no spouse, children inherit equally. If a child has died, their children inherit their share.
Parents
If no spouse or children survive, parents inherit equally.
Siblings (full blood)
If no parents survive, full siblings or their children inherit.
Half-siblings, grandparents, aunts & uncles
Further relatives inherit in a defined order if closer relatives do not survive.
Unmarried partners & cohabitees
Unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit under the intestacy rules, regardless of the length of the relationship.
Unmarried Partners Are Not Protected
Unmarried partners — however long the relationship — have no automatic right to inherit under the intestacy rules. If you are in this situation, an Inheritance Act claim may be available. Early advice is essential as time limits apply. Alternatively, making a will now can prevent this situation arising in future.
How We Help
- Identify who is entitled to administer and inherit from the estate
- Apply for letters of administration on your behalf
- Advise on the distribution of the estate under the intestacy rules
- Assist with tracing missing beneficiaries where required
- Advise unmarried partners on potential Inheritance Act claims
- Manage the full estate administration where instructed
Make a Will to Protect Your Loved Ones
The best way to ensure your estate passes to the people you choose is to make a professionally drafted will. Without one, the intestacy rules apply — and they may not reflect your wishes.
Our wills and estates team can help you put a will in place quickly and affordably.
Find Out About Making a WillNeed Help With an Intestate Estate?
We offer a confidential initial discussion to help you understand who is entitled to administer and inherit from the estate. There is no obligation to proceed.
No obligation — talk through your options first · Clear fees confirmed in writing
Free Confidential Enquiry
Request a Callback
Complete the form below and our probate team will be in touch. No obligation — strictly confidential.
Our Probate Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Nikolina Vukovic
Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates
Nikolina specialises in probate, wills, trusts and estate administration. She supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives — from straightforward administrations to complex estates involving property, inheritance tax and sensitive family circumstances.
Darren Steele
Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member
Darren has worked in the legal sector since 1998 and has been a STEP member since 2011. He specialises in wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and probate — with particular expertise in inheritance tax planning and complex estate structuring.
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Laura is a qualified solicitor with ten years' post-qualification experience, specialising in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. Known for her calm, methodical approach, she brings both legal expertise and genuine insight to every matter — particularly in emotionally complex family situations.
David Stahler
Wills, Trusts & Estates Executive
David is our first point of contact for clients enquiring about probate and estate planning. He brings a warm, personable approach to what can be a sensitive subject — and clients consistently remark on how at ease he makes them feel. Discreet, approachable, and thorough.