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Wills and intestacy

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will?

Dying without a valid Will is called dying intestate. It does not bring the probate process to a halt, but it does change who administers the estate, how it is distributed, and which forms are used.

No named executor

Without a Will, there is no named executor. Before anyone can deal with the estate, a qualifying family member must apply to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Letters of Administration.

Who can apply as administrator?

The priority order broadly follows the Rules of Intestacy: a surviving spouse or civil partner first, then adult children, then other relatives. Unmarried partners have no automatic right to apply without a Court order.

How the estate is distributed

The estate is distributed in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy. Verbal wishes cannot direct the distribution, only a valid Will can do that.

The probate process without a Will

The application uses form PA1A rather than PA1P. The process is otherwise broadly similar: value the estate, complete the IHT400, submit the PA1A to the Probate Registry with the death certificate and fee, and await the grant. YouCanDoProbate supports intestate estates fully.

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I would highly recommend this service

I would highly recommend this service, they go above and beyond to make sure you understand and can complete, they take away any hassle or concern, would give more than 5 stars if I could

Caroline Howe
Trustpilot five star rating
From the beginning I have had helpful…

From the beginning I have had helpful advice. Tom has shown oodles of patience. My hearing is not of the best, neither is my eyesight, but I plodded on with his gentle pushing. I have not finished yet, a paper has gone missing which will hold up the finish for a few days. Which this service had been available four years ago!!!

Hazel Stone
Trustpilot five star rating
YCDP asked all the right questions.

YCDP asked all the right questions, it was fairly easy to complete. I spent about 2 months preparing the application, getting valuations etc. Probate was approved in 3 weeks from posting the application.

J Newton
Trustpilot five star rating
Brilliant, easy to follow website for probate

Brilliant website, made the probate process for my dad’s estate very easy, and simple to follow. Forms populated at the end with no bother at all, and downloaded easily. I only needed one question answered which I got with online chat immediately. Highly recommend. So much better than paying £££ for law firm to do it. Thank you!

Mandy Byrnes
Trustpilot five star rating
I thoroughly recommend

YCDP really took the stress (as well as quite a lot of admin) out of the Probate application process. Very simple to follow, with clear instructions, and easy-to-follow User Guide. Thorough prompting ensures that you complete everything necessary at each stage before being allowed to print the final Probate application form. I only had to call for support once and my question was dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Chris Kuch
Trustpilot five star rating
I found the whole process quite simple

I found the whole process quite simple, the forms were easy to complete and straight forward to fill in.

Steve Jones
Trustpilot five star rating
Very Helpful Experience

At such a difficult and upsetting time, the process was straightforward and clear. The help and responses I received when I raised a couple of queries was excellent. Prompt, patient and supportive.

Janette Sharp
Trustpilot five star rating
If I can, then you can do probate

I was very impressed and encouraged with how easy it was to use this service; a welcome change at a time when it is difficult to process the loss of a loved one, and all the legalities that involves, I was given reassurance and confidence that I can, and did do probate. The process was made easier and less stressful knowing I could ask for help as and when I got stuck. Tom was very supportive and encouraging (and patient). The steps ensured that I could check each stage and return at any time to change or amend anything. Also thanks to those who answered the phone and reassured me that my messages would be passed on. A very positive experience and I have already recommended this service to others in a similar position to me. An excellent service. Mary Mc

Mary M
Trustpilot five star rating
It was all clear and concise…

It was all clear and concise instructions. You could leave the site at anytime and all your work is saved so you can go back to where you left off. The only negative I feel is that it doesn’t tell you until the end that you have to pay more money which was abit of a shock so maybe you could just make your applicants aware that it isn’t just £399. Thankyou though still as it only took 3 weeks to get the probate done and to become the administrator of my mums estate.

W.m.porteous
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The dedication and professionalism of…

The dedication and professionalism of Tom and the team was TRULY outstanding. If I as a 70 something and barely computer literate can do it with their help, then anyone can. Outstanding, brilliant service and amazing value.

Trevor
Trustpilot five star rating
Easier than I expected.

I was very impressed by the easy to use website that allowed filling-in, as the required information was collected. The completed probate application then emerged ready for signing. Difficulty with registering for the service after taking payment, caused by a server outage, was promptly solved by your team that rang back and guided me through the process.

Lawrence
Trustpilot five star rating
Excellent

Superb, easy to follow instructions where data and calculations are generated for you once required fields are inputed. Advise was available quickly , in my case one concise call to Tom( many thanks). The grant of probate was approved by email in one week with no IHT. The formal paperwork takes a further ten days. 5* David

Annabelle
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Additional costs: The probate registry fee of £526 (for all estates over £5,000) and any additional official copies at £2 each. (Payable directly to HM Courts and Tribunals Service by cheque or postal order, enclosed with your application forms).
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© YouCanDoProbate • YouCanDoProbate is a trading name of Kabing Ltd.
YouCanDoProbate is an online platform providing legal forms and information. YouCanDoProbate is not a law firm and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Our online probate and inheritance tax service is an online platform providing probate and inheritance tax forms and information to allow you to complete inheritance tax returns and apply for probate yourself. Our telephone, email and livechat support provides guidance only, we do not provide bespoke advice, including estate planning or tax advice and it is not a substitute for a lawyer’s advice about complex estate planning or tax issues.
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