If I die without a Will what can happen?

Oct 23, 2023 | Publication

If you die without a Will there can be many unintended consequences.

Some of these consequences may be:

  1. A person who you do not intend could control your estate.  This could even be someone you do not know.  An executor is a person who controls an estate when someone has died.
  2. Your estate could go to someone you do not intend it to.  For instance, there are rules in relation to intestacy and these rules are relatively complicated.  The estate may go to, for instance, an estranged spouse.
  3. You lose the opportunity to appoint a guardian for children under the age of 18 years.
  4. You cannot provide a direction in relation to whether you are to be buried or cremated.
  5. An unintended administrator may charge commission to your estate.
  6. You cannot minimise the risk of a claim being made against your estate.  For instance, in New South Wales, there is a piece of legislation called the Succession Act which enables certain categories of people to bring a claim against an estate.
  7. You cannot make charitable gifts.

It is very important to obtain legal advice regarding your Will.  To make an appointment, please contact us on (02) 9633 1826 or email reception@mcauleylawyers.com.au

The information in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this publication is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. We are not responsible for the information of any source to which a link is provided or reference is made and exclude all liability in connection with use of these sources. If you do not wish to receive newsletters from us, please let us know.

Latest Insights

The Rise of Generative AI in Law and the Need for Caution

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), a subset of artificial intelligence focused on creating new content, has gained significant traction in various industries, including law. Capable of producing text, images, and audio, platforms like ChatGPT are among the...

Australia Introduces Statutory Tort for Serious Invasions of Privacy

The Australian legal landscape is about to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy. This change comes with the passage of the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 by the Commonwealth...

Building Disputes – Which Court or Tribunal Deals with Them?

In New South Wales, there are different forums to have building disputes and claims addressed. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal handles building disputes particularly residential building work claims.  There are numerous claims prosecuted and defended in...

When should a business take legal action on an overdue account?

Generally speaking, an overdue account should be acted on promptly.  The longer it is left, the greater the likelihood the account will need to be written off. Unless the debtor has a satisfactory reason for delaying payment, the account should be followed...

Court Rules Against Kmart in Personal Injury Appeal

In a recent case, Kmart has been held liable for injuries sustained by a customer in its Woy Woy store, after a mountain bike in a heavy, oversized box fell from another customer's shopping trolley, injuring Ms Rita Marmara. The New South Wales Court of Appeal upheld...

Can a Shareholder claim against a Company?

A shareholder can claim against a company under some circumstances. Shareholders have specific rights and interests in a company, and there are scenarios where they might have grounds to make a claim. Some common situations include: Breach of Shareholder Agreement: If...