The Intestate Estate of Una Stubbs

Una Stubbs was a talented actress who sadly passed away at her home in Edinburgh, at the age of 84 following a long illness. Her career in show business spanned more than 50 years.

Una Stubbs did not leave a Will and died intestate, which meant that her estate which was valued at around £1.3 million, consisting of her assets and liabilities at the date of her death, required a Grant of Letters of Administration, also known as a Grant ad colligenda bona, to be obtained by one of her sons.

What is a Grant of Letters of Administration?
A Grant of Letters of Administration is a document which appoints someone or, a group of individuals, called Administrators, to manage the administration of a deceased person’s estate. A Grant of Letters of Administration can be limited to certain actions, such as collecting in the assets and proceeds of the deceased individual’s estate from the relevant institutions and, also the sale of the deceased’s property.  

The Rules of Intestacy
As Una Stubbs did not write a Will during her lifetime, she had no say as to who her assets would pass to. The rules of intestacy distributed her estate to her three sons in equal shares.

If you do not make a Will during your lifetime, people may inherit your estate under the rules of intestacy against your wishes and your estate may be liable to pay Inheritance Tax that could have been avoided if you had made a Will.

How can we help?
If you would like to discuss making a Will to ensure that your loved ones will benefit from your estate, please contact our Wills, Trusts and Probate department by email at wtp@mlplaw.co.uk or give us a call on 0161 926 9969 and one of specialist lawyers will be happy to assist you.