Intestacy: What Happens If There Is No Will?

Overview

Where there is no valid Will, the estate is distributed under statutory intestacy rules. This can create outcomes that feel unfair, especially where there are cohabitees, blended families, or informal arrangements.

Common practical consequences

• Unmarried partners may receive nothing under intestacy (subject to separate potential claims).
• Stepchildren do not automatically inherit unless legally adopted.
• Distribution follows a fixed statutory order rather than personal intention.

Administration implications

Instead of executors, administrators are appointed. An application for a grant of letters of administration may be required. The process can be more complex where family members disagree about entitlement or who should act.

Estate complexity factors

Intestacy can be especially complicated where assets are held in multiple jurisdictions; the deceased had a business interest; there are minor beneficiaries; or there are disputes about relationships or dependency.

How Royce Legal can help

Royce Legal can advise on statutory entitlement, prepare the grant application, and manage administration and distribution with structured recordkeeping and clear communications.