What if there is no will?

When a person dies without a will they are said to have died intestate. The government has put in place certain rules which provide for the distribution of a deceased person’s assets in these circumstances. Generally speaking, these rules state that a deceased person’s next of kin will inherit the estate.

In cases of intestacy, an “administrator” is appointed by the Supreme Court as the deceased person’s legal personal representative. Usually, the deceased person’s next-of-kin is the most likely person to be appointed as the administrator.

Administering estates where the deceased person didn’t leave a will can be far more complicated than where there is a will. The next-of-kin should consult a lawyer for professional advice about what to do.