“On 29 October 2009 we published a Consultation Paper reviewing the law of intestacy and family provision claims on death. The intestacy rules govern the inheritance of assets where a person dies without leaving a will disposing of the whole of his or her property. Whether or not the deceased left a valid will, certain family members and dependants may apply to court for reasonable financial provision from the estate, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 – this is known as a claim for family provision.”
Law Commission, 29th October 2009
Source: www.lawcom.gov.uk
