When an individual passes away without having a valid will in place, they’re deemed by the law to have died interstate—which means that the administration and distribution of their estate will be done in accordance with the legislation.
On the other hand, when you have a will, you can dictate the distribution of your estate and appoint an executor of choice who ensures your wishes are carried out.
Who Administers Your Estate When You Die Without A Will?
When an individual passes away interstate, and leave behind an estate that needs an administrator, an eligible person must has to apply with the Court for Letters of Administration. Whoever’s granted the Letters of Administration becomes the estate’s legal representative.
The following is a list of people who’re deemed eligible by the court to be an estate’s administrators:
- The spouse of the deceased
- The children of the deceased
- The grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the deceased
- The parent or parents of the deceased
- The deceased’s siblings
- The grandparent or grandparents of the deceased
- The decease’s aunts and uncles
- The first cousins of the deceased
- Anyone else appointed by the court
When applying to become an estate’s administrator, each individual who has priority over the applicant has to be “cleared of the record.” For instance, if you’re the son/daughter of the deceased who’s applied for the letters of administration, the court will first ensure that the deceased didn’t have a spouse at the time of death.
If You Pass Away Without a Valid Will, Who Will Your Estate Go To?
The distribution of an interstate estate primarily depends upon the deceased’s circumstances. According to the Succession Act (Qld) of 1981, the estate of a deceased person will be bequeathed to their closest next of kin, with the spouse and the children getting first priority. If the deceased was married, but childless, then the spouse will inherit the entire estate.
If the deceased was married with children, then:
- If the estate’s worth is less than $150,000, then the spouse will inherit the entire estate
- If the estate’s worth exceeds $150,000 (excluding household goods), the spouse will inherit the $150,000 plus all the household goods, and 50% of the rest of the estate (if there’s one child), and 33% of the rest of the estate (if there are more than two children).
Ledwidge & Associates, P.C., is a leading legal firm that assists clients across New York with estate planning, Family Law Services Brooklyn and Family Law Attorney Queens, divorce, and probate law. If you require our services, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.
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