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What is intestacy?

If there’s no valid Will, the estate is distributed according to a legal framework set out in the Administration of Estates Act 1925. This means:

Only certain relatives can inherit
The estate may not be divided as the deceased would have wished
The process can be more complicated and time-consuming

How we can help

Some intestate estates are straightforward - for example, where there are known children who can manage the estate. But others can be far more complex, especially when:

There’s no known family
The deceased was estranged from relatives
The estate includes poorly maintained property or missing financial information

Our specialist team regularly works with local authorities, genealogists, and property experts to ensure estates are properly administered and all legal obligations are met.

What we do in complex cases

We can support you with:

Registering the death and arranging the funeral
Tracing and identifying all entitled family members
Conducting professional Will searches to confirm intestacy
Locating all assets and liabilities to ensure accurate reporting to HMRC
Arranging insurance to protect Administrators from future claims
Managing and selling properties in poor condition, including clearance, insurance, and sale by private treaty or auction

These steps not only ensure the estate is distributed correctly, they also protect the Administrator from personal liability.

Routine estate administration

In addition to complex cases, we also handle all standard aspects of estate administration, including:

Inheritance tax reporting
Applying for the Grant of Representation
Preparing estate accounts
Distributing the estate to Beneficiaries

Here when you need us

Whether you’re an individual or a local authority, we’re here to help. We can arrange an initial consultation to understand your situation and explain how we can support you.

Why Choose Porter Dodson?

Recognised excellence – Ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise in private client services, including Wills, Trusts, and Probate.

Clear, compassionate advice – We speak your language, not legal jargon, and tailor our guidance to your personal circumstances.

Joined-up legal support – Our team works seamlessly across estate planning, tax, property, and disputes to protect your interests.

Trusted by generations – With deep roots in the community, we’ve supported families and business owners across the South West for decades.

I instructed Ellice Pounder recently to write my Will. She was excellent, very professional and I was well advised throughout the process. I would highly recommend Ellice.

Beth

I experienced a very helpful, friendly and approachable service whilst accepting advice during the appointments I attended for the making of my Will.

Marion

I would like to repeat my thanks to you and Caitlin for all the work involved in setting up our Lifetime Settlement. The Trust Deed was clear and followed the expressed wishes we gave you. You kept us fully informed at all times and the preparation, completion and registration were carried out in a most professional way with minimum delay. I would not hesitate to recommend Porter Dodson to any family member or friend seeking legal advice on trusts and wills and other related legal matters.

Michael

I would like to say a special thank you to Rose who has always been very approachable and friendly, leaving me at ease whenever I have had a question.

Debbie