DEALING WITH INTESTACY SOLICITORS
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added uncertainty of managing their estate when they have not left a legally valid will. At HM3 Legal, our experienced intestacy solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help families understand the rules of intestacy, administer estates correctly and resolve any legal issues. We are here to guide you through every step with professionalism, compassion and expert legal support.
Associations and Affiliations
We are intestacy law experts
When someone passes away without leaving a valid will, their estate must be distributed according to the legal rules of intestacy. This can often create uncertainty for families, particularly where there are complex family relationships, valuable estates or disagreements over who should inherit.
At HM3 Legal, our experienced probate solicitors help clients navigate the intestacy process with confidence. We explain your legal position in straightforward language, deal with the administration of the estate and provide practical advice to minimise delays and avoid unnecessary probate disputes.
Our dealing with intestacy services include:
- Advice on the rules of intestacy
- Applying for Letters of Administration
- Estate administration support
- Identifying legal beneficiaries
- Inheritance entitlement advice
- Blended family estate advice
- Intestacy dispute resolution
- Asset identification and valuation
- Distribution of estate assets
- HMRC and inheritance tax guidance
- Probate and administration support
- Challenging inheritance claims
- Ongoing legal advice throughout the process
Our intestacy solicitors
Ruth Marsh
Partner & Head of Private Client Services
Abigail Blakemore
Trainee Solicitor
Abigail Vine
Legal Assistant
Ceri Burns
Solicitor
Frances Williams
Senior Associate
Judith Gloria
Paralegal
Libby Ryan
Legal Administrator
Shannon Ashley
Paralegal
Wendy Randall
Probate Practitioner
Our dealing with intestacy services
Applying for Letters of Adminstration
Where there is no valid will, someone must be legally authorised to administer the estate. This is achieved by obtaining Letters of Administration from the Probate Registry. Our solicitors guide eligible family members through the application process, ensuring all documentation is completed accurately and efficiently. We explain who has the legal right to apply, help gather the required information and deal with any complications including family disagreements. By handling the legal process on your behalf, we can help reduce delays and ensure the estate administration begins as smoothly as possible, giving you one less thing to worry about during an already difficult time.
Understanding the rules of intestacy
The rules of intestacy determine who inherits an estate when no valid will exists. While these rules provide a legal framework, they do not always reflect what the deceased may have wanted. Our solicitors explain exactly how the legislation applies to your family’s circumstances, helping you understand who is entitled to inherit and in what order. Whether the estate involves a surviving spouse, children, stepchildren or more distant relatives, we provide clear legal advice so you understand your rights and obligations including when verbal agreements about assets, before any assets are distributed.
Administering an intestate estate
Administering an estate without a will can be more complicated than many people expect. The administrator has legal responsibilities, including collecting assets, paying debts, handling finances, dealing with inheritance tax where applicable and distributing the estate correctly under the intestacy rules. HM3 Legal provides comprehensive support throughout the entire administration process. We work closely with families and loved ones to ensure every legal requirement is met. Through experience, we know it is important to avoid costly mistakes while reducing stress during what is often an emotional and challenging time.
Our legal offices
Chester
George Street
Chester
CH1 3EQ
Liverpool
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2QP
Manchester
Woodlands Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HF
Wirral
Monks Ferry
Birkenhead
CH41 5LH
Reasons to instruct HM3 Legal
Plain English promise.
A jargon and waffle-free zone. Helping you to understand your options and make the right decisions.
No chase pledge.
Peace of mind. Removing the frustrations of wondering where things are up to and what is next.
Fixed fees options.
Removing uncertainty. With fixed fee options and clear pricing we will not land you with a surprise bill.
One central point of contact.
Looking at your needs holistically. Chances are, your business operations do not work in silos so neither do we.
Intestate key contact: Ruth Marsh
Partner and Head of Private Client Services
Ruth Marsh is Head of Private Client at HM3 Legal and a highly respected specialist in wills, trusts, probate and estate planning. As a STEP-qualified practitioner and a Band 1 ranked lawyer in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Ruth provides expert advice on estate and wealth management, succession planning and asset protection. Known for her approachable manner and clear, practical guidance, Ruth helps individuals and families plan for the future with confidence, delivering tailored legal advice and exceptional client care.
Looking for expert intestacy solicitors?
If you are dealing with the estate of someone who died without leaving a valid will, obtaining expert legal advice can make the process much more straightforward. At HM3 Legal, we understand that every family situation is different and provide tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.
From explaining the rules of intestacy and applying for Letters of Administration through to administering the estate and resolving disputes, our experienced probate solicitors are here to support you every step of the way. We combine clear communication with practical legal expertise to help you move forward with confidence.
Would recommend
I would definitely use HM3 Legal myself and recommend anyone in need of a trusted firm..
She was prompt with communications and kept us informed in the process.
We managed to recover 75% plus of money after more than a year of back and forth.
Thank you.
The whole team are responsive and demonstrate a real desire to provide guidance across a range of disciplines. .
HM3 Legal delivered better service than expected and I would highly recommend them for wills and estate planning.
Robbie Oates was also great at keeping me updated throughout and nothing was too much trouble.
This is not a nice thing to have to go though but thanks to Holly and Robbie, I felt fully supported the whole 2 years 7 months through! I would definitely say they both provided a WOW service.
Ian reviewed the lease promptly, identified the key issues, and explained everything in a clear, concise and easy to understand way. Rather than overwhelming me with legal jargon, he provided practical advice that gave me complete confidence in the decisions I needed to make.
The whole team were professional, responsive and a pleasure to deal with throughout. Their excellent communication and attention to detail made what could have been a complex and time consuming process feel straightforward and stress free.
If you're looking for commercial solicitors who combine first class legal expertise with exceptional client service, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ian Millington and the team at HM3 Legal.
Jill Walker
Managing Director
Indigo Home & Gift
I would highly recommend Clare to any of my peers. Her professionalism was exceptional.
From our initial meeting with Frances, we were informed of the methods and techniques to structure our wills in the most efficient formats.
Frances explained complex legal structures in easy to understand terms and was a pleasure to deal with.
Shannon was excellent with the back office work making sure everything came through promptly and in the right fashion.
Many thanks to everyone at HM3.
Only 4 Stars because we were never notified as to the change from Hillier & McKeown to HM3 Legal.
It was only when we wanted to alter the wills that by good fortune I still had phone number of Hamilton Square. Well done to Ceri for patience and knowhow.
Paul Roberts
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
She kept me posted at all times and always returned telephone calls.I recommend her.
They both have been very diligent, responsive and solid in their responses and actions.
I would highly recommend their services. Happy to expand on my experience if anyone would like to know more!
I’m very happy with the service. I would gladly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy legal assistance.
Fees were clearly explained before work commenced and were fair and competitive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ruth and HM3 to anyone seeking expert legal support with personal or family matters.
Dealing with intestacy FAQs
What does intestacy mean?
Intestacy occurs when someone dies without leaving a valid will. In these circumstances, their estate is distributed according to the legal rules of intestacy rather than their personal wishes. These rules determine who can inherit and who has the right to administer the estate. The process can become more complex if there are blended families, unmarried partners or valuable assets, making professional legal advice beneficial in many situations.
Who inherits if someone dies without a will?
Who inherits depends on the deceased’s surviving relatives and the value of the estate. The rules of intestacy set out a strict order of inheritance, beginning with spouses, civil partners and children before moving to other family members. Unmarried partners and cohabiting partners do not automatically inherit under intestacy rules. HM3 Legal can explain exactly how the law applies to your family’s circumstances and help ensure the estate is distributed correctly.
What are Letters of Administration and when are they needed?
Letters of Administration are the legal document giving someone authority to deal with an estate where there is no valid will. Without this document, banks, investment providers and other organisations may not release assets. Applying correctly is an important part of the probate process. Our solicitors can prepare the application, deal with the Probate Registry and guide you through every stage of the administration.
Can an unmarried partner inherit under intestacy rules?
No. Under the current rules of intestacy in England and Wales, unmarried partners do not automatically inherit, regardless of how long they lived together. This often comes as a surprise to families and loved ones, and can create practical, emotional and financial difficulties. If you believe you may have a legal claim against an estate, HM3 Legal can advise you on the options that may be available under inheritance legislation.
How long does it take to administer an intestate estate?
The timescale depends on the complexity of the estate, the assets involved and whether there are any disputes or tax issues. Straightforward estates may take several months, while more complicated cases can take considerably longer. Delays can also occur when locating beneficiaries or obtaining financial information. Working with experienced probate solicitors can help ensure the administration progresses as efficiently as possible.
What happens if family members disagree about an intestate estate?
Disagreements can arise over who should administer the estate, how assets should be valued or whether someone is entitled to inherit. These probate disputes can be stressful, delay the administration process and increase legal costs if not managed carefully. Our probate solicitors provide practical advice to help resolve disagreements wherever possible while protecting the interests of the estate and ensuring the legal process continues appropriately.
How do the rules of intestacy affect children from previous relationships?
The rules of intestacy can produce unexpected outcomes in blended families. Depending on the circumstances, biological and legally adopted children may inherit while stepchildren may not. A surviving spouse or civil partner may also receive only part of the estate, with the remainder passing to children. Understanding how these rules apply is essential, and HM3 Legal can explain your legal rights clearly and compassionately.
