Spouse or Parent Died Without a Will?

Discovering a loved one has died without making a Will adds significant stress at a difficult time. Our SRA-regulated solicitors can provide clear, compassionate guidance on the legal Rules of Intestacy and help you administer the estate.

    
   225 reviews  
 
  
         
   Wildings Solicitors
   4.6225 Google reviews 
 
 
 
        Posted on Google  
   
   Nafisa Hussein 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I recently had the pleasure of working with Mr Mahmood from Wildings Solicitors for the purchase of my home, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. He was incredibly knowledgeable, pleasant, and helpful throughout the entire process. They ensured everything went smoothly and kept me informed every step of the way. Their dedication and professionalism made a significant difference, and I am extremely grateful for their hard work.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kate 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Farzana, the receptionist, was exceptionally efficient and friendly. Soyod, our solicitor, dealt with what needed to be done in a timely fashion and made sure we had copies of what had been completed. I was very pleased with the service and will use this branch again for future needs.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nazreen Akhtar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  wilding were handling the paperwork during the sale of my property. my case was seen by tafsir fahim Khan. I had excellent communication from him with very thorough accurate information provided for realistic deadlines to complete the deal. I would happily seek their services if needed again. I would highly recommend them too.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Azmina Shaikh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I would highly recommend Wildings Solicitors. Our move wasn’t easy but Daniyaal mehmood worked hard to get our move done.seller solicitors so much mess around but Daniel show so much patients to them .Communication was excellent, he always answered my calls and email.we are first time buyer a lot questions in mind always answers calmly.I can not thank them enough. I lady who work in reception so nice ,So professional.In Sha Allah definitely will come again to wilding solicitor in future.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Griseld Qosja 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Very happy with the service. Mr Tafsir Khan has been very helpful and professional during all the process of moving house .
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   yahya Abdirahman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  The Best Professional Service ever from Wilding Solicitors ( Daniyaal). I recommend to you all to contact them if you need legal issues.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mustansar Sarfraz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I cannot say enough good things about Wildings Solicitors. They were incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and efficient throughout the entire process. They made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate and I am extremely grateful for their expertise. I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Wildings Solicitors, for your outstanding work!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sami A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We purchased a house a few months ago using this company we was allocated a very professional  thorough gentleman called Daniyaal  Mahmood. Amazing service quick fast and easy knew exactly what he was doing it’s stressful as it is buying a house but our experience was calm and dealt with in a professional manner was available all the time over the phone and email quick response as forst time buyers you do have 101 questions! Very happy will 100% recommend and will definitely be using the services again! Thank you daniyaal for everything highly appreciated! :)
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jo-Ann Clover 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I can not express how wonderful this company is as so efficient , helpful and friendly. Thank you
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Avenues Post office 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  They are very professional solicitors especially neelam afzal.she helped me with my case from start to end.she updated me at every stage of the case.i highly recommended to everyone.

If There Is No Will, Who Inherits the Estate?

When someone dies without a Will in England and Wales, their estate is distributed according to strict legal guidelines known as the Rules of Intestacy. Who inherits depends entirely on which relatives survive the deceased. Select the situation that applies to you below.

If your spouse or civil partner has died:

As the surviving spouse, you will inherit all their personal property and belongings, the first £322,000 of the estate, and half of anything that remains. The other half of the remaining estate is then divided equally among the children.

Important: If the total estate is worth less than £322,000, the children will inherit nothing. Even in this situation, the process can be complex. Contact us for guidance to find the best approach.

If your husband, wife or civil partner has died:

As the surviving spouse or civil partner, you inherit the **entire estate**. This includes all money, property, and personal belongings. Other relatives, such as the deceased's parents or siblings, will not inherit anything.

If a relative dies unmarried or their spouse is not alive:

The estate is distributed in a strict pecking order to the first surviving category: 1. Children, 2. Parents, 3. Siblings, 4. Half-siblings, 5. Grandparents.

Crucially, an unmarried partner inherits nothing automatically. However, if you were financially dependent on your partner, you may still be able to make a claim. Contact our solicitors to confidentially discuss your situation and explore the best approach.

Feeling Overwhelmed by the Rules?

The Rules of Intestacy can be complex and confusing. Our expert solicitors can confirm who is entitled to inherit and what you need to do next.

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What to Do When a Parent or Relative Dies Without a Will

To legally manage the estate, a relative must apply to be the 'Administrator'. This involves getting a legal document called a 'Grant of Letters of Administration'. Our solicitors can handle this entire complex process for you.

Initial Consultation & Fact-Finding

We'll have a confidential discussion to identify the rightful heirs according to the intestacy rules and establish the value of the estate assets.

Apply for Letters of Administration

Our solicitors prepare and submit all the complex legal paperwork to HMRC and the Probate Registry on your behalf, ensuring it is done correctly.

Administer the Estate

Once the Grant is issued, we help you legally close bank accounts, sell property, pay debts, and distribute the money to the correct beneficiaries.

Your Questions About Dying Without a Will Answered

What happens to a bank account when someone dies without a will?

As soon as a bank is notified of a death, they will freeze the deceased's sole accounts to protect the funds. No one can access the money until the Grant of Letters of Administration is issued by the court. For small amounts (typically under £5,000), some banks may release the funds without a Grant, but this is at their discretion. For joint accounts, the money usually passes directly to the surviving joint owner.

My partner and I were not married. Do I inherit anything?

Unfortunately, under the Rules of Intestacy, unmarried partners (often called 'common-law' partners) have no automatic right to inherit anything. Your only option may be to make a claim for financial provision under the Inheritance Act 1975, especially if you were financially dependent on your partner. This is a complex area where you absolutely need legal advice.

Who can apply to be the Administrator?

There is a legal order of priority for who can apply to administer the estate. This order is very similar to the order of who inherits. A surviving spouse or civil partner has the first right, followed by any children, then parents, and so on. We can quickly confirm who has the legal right to apply in your specific situation.

How long does it take to administer an estate without a will?

The process is often longer than if there was a will. It can take several months just to get the Grant of Letters of Administration. The full process of collecting assets and distributing them can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months, or longer if the estate is particularly complex or there are disagreements between family members.