‘Who can inherit if there is no will – the rules of intestacy?’
‘What are the rules of intestacy?’
What happens to Jointly-owned property?’
These are just some of the questions you may have after a friend or relative has died. When someone dies there are many decisions and arrangements to make. These can be difficult in a time of grief.
When a person dies without leaving a valid will, their property (the estate) must be shared out according to certain rules. These are called the rules of intestacy. A person who dies without leaving a will is called an intestate person.
Only married or civil partners and some other close relatives can inherit under the rules of intestacy.If someone makes a will but it is not legally valid, the rules of intestacy decide how the estate will be shared out, not the wishes expressed in the will.
But where do you go to get free help and advice?
The Citizens Advice Bureau acts as the UK’s largest advice provider, and are equipped to deal with any issue, from anyone, spanning debt and employment to consumer and housing plus everything in between.
In the last year alone, the Citizens Advice service helped 2.1 million people with 6.6 million problems.
At Finders International, we are working hard to secure a partnership with the CAB to bring specialist advice to the general public. Advice on Wills, inheritance and beneficiary queries to legal representation, funeral advice and help dealing with overseas assets.
Many of you will have seen us on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ or on BBC1’s Heir Hunters & Family Finders, or have read about or heard us on over 60 interviews across the UK and Ireland in the past 18 months and are no doubt aware that passing on professional independent advice is part and parcel of our daily routine. So of course it follows that we wish to extend this advice to a wider audience to ensure that correct and expert opinions are always freely available.
Remember; the CAB is a wonderful resource, but if we can be of assistance, do not hesitate to contact us directly on Freephone 0800 085 8796 or by emailing [email protected]