IHTM12101 | Succession: Intestacy: Background

From HM Revenue & Customs · Inheritance Tax Manual

Intestacy arises where a deceased person does not effectively dispose of their property by Will ()

There is either:

  • a total intestacy where none of the estate is disposed of, or

  • a partial intestacy where part of the estate is not disposed of.

There are legal rules () for the distribution of an estate on intestacy. The rules in England & Wales differ from those in Scotland () and Northern Ireland ()