Probate without a will (intestacy)
When someone dies without a valid will, they die 'intestate'. The Rules of Intestacy in England & Wales decide who inherits — and who can apply for Letters of Administration.
Who can apply
Order of priority under r.22 NCPR 1987: spouse / civil partner → children → parents → siblings of whole blood → siblings of half blood → grandparents → uncles/aunts. Cohabitees and step-children have no automatic right.
Who inherits
Spouse takes the first £322,000 plus personal chattels and half of the residue; children share the rest. With no spouse, children take everything. We map your family tree and show exactly who gets what.
How we help
We trace beneficiaries, prepare PA1A, handle the IHT return, obtain the Grant of Letters of Administration, and distribute the estate strictly under the statutory order.
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