If A Man Died Without Making A Will Would His Widow Inherit Whatever The Circumstances?

[sandyRoe]

Brain injured in an accident his wife eventually decided she could no longer look after him and he's now in care. His elderly mother acts as his agent when dealing with benefits.
This is in NI.

[janbee]

I would've thought... yes. She's still his legal wife? Not divorced?

[woofgang]

It depends on the size of the estate
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-there-is-no-will

[ToraToraTora]

here's the rules of intestacy:
http://www.hughjames.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Intestacy-Rules-October-2014.pdf

[sandyRoe]

There's no great fortune involved here. A few thousand, I think. I thought the facts that they're not together any more, he's appointed someone else to act as his agent when dealing with benefits, and he's in no position to instigate divorce proceedings because of his injury, might have some relevance.

[woofgang]

well his mother might take legal advice but for such a small amount maybe not worth it?

[woofgang]

Form what you say, it sounds like there will be only enough to cover the funeral and other similar expenses so no residue in the estate anyway?

[sandyRoe]

Yes, it's probably not worth bothering about. And there's always the chance that he'll outlive her.

[Peter Pedant]

in the case you describe Sandy I think the widow takes all

and not for the first time, it shows the importannce of making a will

BUT having said that , I think he would probably have to make provision for his dear wife anyway.... lawyers can tell us if lawyer must say: look this will will ( ha!) not get up and run.....

see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9523298/Bernard-Matthewss-children-in-will-row-with-mistress.html