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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 needed to renew my Will following bereavement. I knew what I wanted but needed advice on any implications which might arise. Eleanor was kindness itself, came to the house and took instructions. I was confident that what I needed to have done when the time comes has been put in place. I couldn't have wished for a better experience.

Private Client

My partner and I chose to use Porter Dodson to prepare our Wills as I had previously used them to help me with a family matter. We were treated with the utmost courtesy. All relevant aspects of the wills were fully explained to us and tailored to meet each of our individual needs. Within days we received draft copies to discuss with the Solicitor, before returning to sign the official documents. Jodie, our solicitor made us feel welcome on both visits and despite it being a very serious and though provoking matter she made us feel comfortable and relaxed, knowing that our wills meet our current needs, but can also be updated at any time in the future. We would fully recommend Porter Dodson.

Martin

Had a meeting with Sally Manning to discuss wills and LPAs for myself and my wife. From the very first meeting we both felt at ease and comfortable in Sally's office. We went on to have detailed discussions on what we actually wanted, everything was clearly and easily explained to us, again without any undue pressure. Over a couple of meetings we were very happy to proceed with our wishes. Again everything cleared explained including costs and timescale. We felt we had been listened to and our expectations were duly met. Very happy to highly recommended these solicitors and Sally in particular.

Dave

Excellent service given with helpful advice, kindness and consideration of our needs. Money well spent on a quality service. Thank you.

Private Client