Intestacy
Dying without a valid will. Where a person dies intestate, their estate is distributed according to the statutory rules in the Administration of Estates Act 1925, which prioritise the surviving spouse/civil partner and close relatives. Unmarried partners receive nothing under the intestacy rules.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
GOV.UK frames intestacy from the practical angle of who is left to sort out the estate: its guidance is titled 'Check who can apply for probate and inherit if someone dies without a will', and describes the task as working out who is entitled to a share of someone's money, property and possessions if they die without making a will.
The same person who is entitled to inherit is generally the one responsible for dealing with the estate: separate GOV.UK guidance on probate confirms that if there's not a will, the closest living relative can apply for probate — reflecting the intestacy rules' focus on close family relationships rather than, for example, an unmarried partner or friend.
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.