Dying without a will hands control of your estate to the state
Without a valid will, Australian law decides what happens to your assets and who administers them.
If you die without a will, your family has no say in how your estate is split or who manages it. Each state and territory follows its own intestacy rules, applied as a fixed formula.
The process is typically slower and more stressful than normal probate, so instead of a family member stepping in, someone must apply to the Supreme Court for Letters of Administration. Family conflict is the biggest problem that emerges.
New research found more than half of Australians in blended families are at risk of will disputes. When step-parents, step-siblings or new partners are involved, more people claim a stake in the outcome.
Disagreements about fairness often turn bitter. Getting the estate wrong can cost thousands in legal fees and drag on for years.
- 2016
- Prince death year
- Six years
- Prince legal battle duration
- More than half
- Blended families at risk
Why it mattersWithout a will, your family may lose money to legal costs and court delays while fighting over your wishes, exactly when they need support most.
AustraliaAustralian intestacy laws mean your family faces state-specific rules, court delays and costs if you have no will, whether in a blended family or not.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 48 min ago
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