What Happens if Someone Dies Intestate?
When the person has died without leaving a will, the process of administering the deceaseds affairs can be extremely complicated and often protracted over several months sometimes, even years. The term intestate is used to describe a person who has not made a valid will before death. If this happens, the law according to Intestacy Rules decides who is to deal with the deceaseds affairs and who should inherit their estate, including property, money and personal possessions. It is also worth bearing in mind that, depending on the way in which property is held, it may pass to other joint owners outside of the deceaseds estate. Administrators In England and Wales, The Administration of Estates Act 1925, states who has the legal right to act as administrator of the deceaseds affairs when someone dies intestate. The Administration of Estates Act 1925 does not apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland. The equivalent Act in Northern Ireland is the Administration of Estates Act (Northern Ireland)
