The perils of not making a Will

What do Michael Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Picasso, Jimi Hendrix, Stieg Larsson and Robert Homes a Court all have in common? You would be forgiven for thinking, not much. But in fact they do—all six died intestate which means, they died without leaving a Will.

Even the rich and famous can fail to plan ahead when it comes to their estate.

What happens if someone dies without leaving a Will?

According to New South Wales law, if you don't have a legal Will you have died intestate and your estate will be divided according to the rules of intestacy which is set in legislation.

This means that even if a friend or relative is appointed to obtain administration of your estate, the law decides who your beneficiaries are and how your estate is divided.