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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 if the estate is not an excepted estate (most estates are excepted and need no Inheritance Tax forms), 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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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
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This made a very difficult time and…

This made a very difficult time and task painless. I had a few queries which were answered very efficiently. The whole process from start to finish and obtaining probate was 6 weeks.

LCc
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I found You Can Do Probate really…

I found You Can Do Probate really helpful, polite, they were very patient with me when I had a problem, and when I rang and left a message, they always came back to me, the proof of the pudding will be if my submission goes through successfully.

Mr Woodhouse
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Very easy to follow.

Very easy to follow . Help available if required. Certainly a savings compared to solicitors fees.

S Evans
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Couldn’t fault these guys.

Couldn’t fault these guys. Easy to navigate through the site and they were on hand to speak to when needed. No need to use a solicitor which made a refreshing change. A difficult time was made so much easier. Don’t use anyone else, these are the people to use when having to deal with probate.

Richard Knight
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You Really Can Do Probate Yourself !

After receiving a very expensive quote from a local solicitors I found this website and as an administrator myself thought how hard can this be. I read the reviews and watched the video before I purchased to make sure it was right for me. I followed the on-line steps and filled in the questions so a little bit of time and effort is required. I had 2 x queries which were dealt with within the hour once on the phone and once by email. Once the forms were complete, I printed off and posted to HMCTS Probate. I had an email from them confirming receipt on 19th June and I received an email yesterday 26th June telling me Probate had been granted so this website has done exactly what I needed it to do.

LCrown
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Timely and efficient support at a…

Timely and efficient support at a sensible cost.

Paul
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Excellent package

Excellent package easy to follow and good help service if needed – probate obtained in six weeks – thankyou

mark
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We followed all the instructions on how to complete the form and would recommend this site to anyone.

We followed all the instructions on how to fill in the appropriate spaces. As it was done at the weekend there was no one to speak to but on Monday when I got in a bit of a muddle Tom talked me through what I had to do. It all worked out fine in the end & I would recommend them to anyone who wanted to tackle Probate themselves.

PATRICIA KENNARD
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An excellent service

An excellent service. The team are happy to talk you through the options before you commit and make sure that the software will work for your circumstances. Once you get started it is easy to use and save your work. Very good and recommended.

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This was money well spent made life so…

This was money well spent made life so much easier and prevented any time being wasted by not sending all relevant documents and having to re submit.

Mr Walker
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“Does exactly what it says on the tin”

“Does exactly what it says on the tin” I have Absolutely no legal experience and had never done probate before and I found this was a brilliant tool to get the job done. I was going to be charged over £7,000 by a solicitor and the irony is that all the data that you would need to send the solicitor is exactly the same data you need to complete the probate application yourself. Loved this software and saved an absolute fortune!!!!!

Ian Spence
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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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