Recent studies have revealed that around two thirds of adults have not made a Will.  If you do not make a Will before you die it means that you die intestate.  This means that your money and property will be distributed in accordance with the intestacy rules. 

The intestacy rules set out who benefits and includes provision for a spouse or civil partners and children.  However, there is no provision for cohabitees or anyone else that you are in a long term relationship with unless you are married or in a civil partnership. 

When a person didn’t make a will they didn’t appoint anyone to act as their executor.  Instead, it will be for an interested party to apply to be registered by the probate registry as their personal representative or administrator.  The intestacy rules provide who can apply to be appointed as administrator. 

If the probate registry accepts the application they will issue a certificate called Letters of Administration.

For more information contact rb@startpointlaw.co.uk or telephone 01548 288008