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What is the procedure for dealing with the deceased's estate?
- The law on "rights to succession" (i.e., what happens to the deceased's estate) is very complicated. If in doubt, contact a solicitor first before doing anything.
- Legal advice is available free or at a low cost for anyone with limited means. Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.
- In the event of sudden death it is important to find out as quickly as possible if there is a will, as this may include instructions regarding:
- funeral arrangements.
- the administration of the estate in accordance with the will or the "Rules of Intestacy" (i.e., an executry).
- the inheritance of the estate (i.e., who will be the beneficiaries of the estate).
- Depending on whether there is a will or not, an estate will be classed as either:
- testate (i.e., the estate is dealt with in accordance with the will of the deceased).
- intestate (i.e., in the event that there is no will to determine who should be the beneficiaries of the estate, its administration is determined by the "Rules of Intestacy").
- The purpose of this section is to answer some frequently asked questions about what to do with regards to dealing with the estate.
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