Intestacy & Letters of Administration
If a loved one has passed away without leaving a valid Will, their estate will be divided according to the standard rules of intestacy. You (or another close relative of the deceased) will need to apply to the probate registry for a grant of letters of administration to get control of the estate so you can deal with the estate.
Once the probate registry has issued the grant, the successful applicant can then act as the administrator of the estate. Prior to the application, you will need to decide who will apply to act and it will be their responsibility to have the estate valued and arrange to pay any inheritance tax due. They will also ensure the estate is properly divided according to the intestacy rules.
Dealing with the estate of someone who has died intestate is a big responsibility and one that many people, understandably, find intimidating. There can be any number of legal complexities to navigate, so it is always wise to seek expert legal advice.
Tayntons’ probate solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives are highly experienced in handling the estates of people who have died intestate, offering the clear, friendly and empathetic support you need to guide you through this challenging situation.
We can assist you with everything involved in applying for grant of letters of administration, including estate valuations, paying inheritance tax and handling distribution of the estate’s assets.
Our aim is to keep the process of dealing with your loved one’s estate as simple and stress-free as possible, making this one less thing to worry about at an already difficult time.
Find out about the benefits of using a solicitor for probate.
For help with intestacy and letters of administration, speak to one of our probate solicitors or Chartered Legal Executives now by calling 0800 158 4147 or request a call back and a member of our team will be in touch.
Who inherits when someone dies without leaving a Will?
This will depend on what living relatives the deceased had and the value of their estate.
In short, if the deceased passed away on or after 26th July 2023 and has a living spouse or civil partner and children, depending on how the assets are owned the surviving spouse will inherit everything up to £322,000.
If the deceased passed away before 26th July 2023 and has a living spouse of civil partner and children, depending on how the assets are owned the surviving spouse will inherit everything up to £270,000.
If the estate is worth more than £322,000, the spouse/civil partner will also get 50% of everything above £322,000 with the remaining 50% split between any living children of the deceased. If the children have predeceased, their share will pass to their living children (grandchildren) equally.
If the deceased has no living spouse, civil partner, children or other direct descendants, other relatives may be in line to inherit.
If the deceased has no children, then the entire estate will pass to the spouse/civil partner.
Why choose Tayntons probate solicitors for intestacy and letters of administration?
Tayntons’ team of probate solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives offer clear, friendly and pragmatic guidance for all aspects of intestacy to people in Gloucester and throughout Gloucestershire, including Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean, as well as further afield.
Our probate team includes members of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) reflecting our expertise in this area and a member of Solicitors for the Elderly.
The firm is also home to our Conveyancing Quality Scheme accredited residential property team, who can expertly handle any property issues connected to probate, such as selling property and transfer of title.
Tayntons is Lexcel accredited by the Law Society in recognition of the strength of our practice management and client care. We are independently regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Get in touch with our probate solicitors in Gloucester
Need help with intestacy and letters of administration in Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean or anywhere in Gloucestershire?
Please contact us today by calling 0800 158 4147, emailing us at info@tayntons.co.uk or requesting a call back.