Probate Without a Will
Losing someone close to you is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and if your loved one passed away without leaving a Will (known legally as dying "intestate"), you may find yourself dealing with disputes you never expected. Questions about who is entitled to inherit, how assets are distributed, and what steps need to be taken can quickly add to an already emotional situation.
This guide is designed to help you understand what happens when someone dies without a Will. Whether you're acting as a next of kin or simply trying to understand your rights, we’re here to support you with straightforward advice and support when you need it most.
Can I get probate when there is no Will?
If someone dies without a Will, they are ‘intestate’. The rules of intestacy will decide how their estate is divided up, and who can inherit or benefit from their assets.
You can’t get a Grant of Probate, but you can get a document called a Grant of Letters of Administration, which is similar. This gives you the authority to administer the estate.
It can be devastating for families, friends, unmarried partners, or carers expecting to inherit money and being left with nothing. It can affect workers too – for example, if a farmer promises land to a worker, but dies before making a will.
It can also lead to you paying more inheritance tax.
We can get you to a fairer outcome when a person who’s died hasn’t left a Will.
Meet an expert from our Probate team
We have the largest private client team in the UK, our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.
Frequently asked questions on probate without a Will
A solicitor can advise you whether you have a realistic claim. You will need to apply for a “Grant of Letters of Administration” to get the right to deal with the estate.
We’re here to help
Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
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03300290683
Making an enquiry
We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we’re able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.